5 A&P Engineer Job Description Templates and Examples

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are hiring a Junior A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Engineer to support aircraft maintenance engineering, airworthiness compliance, and technical documentation for commercial and/or corporate fleets. Reporting to Senior A&P Engineers and the Maintenance Program Manager, you will execute engineering tasks that support inspections, repairs, modifications, and certification activities. This is an early-career engineering role focused on hands-on application of FAA/EASA regulations, maintenance data analysis, and rigorous documentation practices while developing toward independent certification and technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation, review, and issuance of maintenance engineering documentation including Service Bulletins, Repair Instructions, Airworthiness Directives (AD) compliance packages, and Engineering Orders
• Assist in troubleshooting in-service technical issues by analyzing maintenance records, inspection findings, borescope reports, and flight data where applicable
• Execute structural and systems damage assessments under supervision, producing findings, disposition recommendations, and detailed workscope
• Work with licensed A&P mechanics, avionics technicians, and suppliers to define corrective actions, parts requirements, and tooling needs
• Participate in modification and repair design efforts using approved data; create or update diagrams, schematics, wiring lists, and component location drawings as required
• Support maintenance planning by converting engineering dispositions into task cards, maintenance instructions, and procuring approved parts/consumables
• Maintain accurate records in the CMMS/maintenance tracking system and contribute to configuration management and traceability
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives: root-cause analyses, reliability trend tracking, and maintenance cost optimization projects
• Assist with obtaining regulatory approvals and preparing paperwork for FAA/EASA/other authority interactions under supervision
• Follow all safety, quality, and security protocols in hangar and shop environments

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent vocational training
• FAA A&P certificate or equivalent national aircraft maintenance license in progress/obtained; candidates actively pursuing certification will be considered
• 0–3 years of practical experience in aircraft maintenance environments, internships, or apprenticeship programs preferred
• Familiarity with FAA/EASA airworthiness regulations, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and maintenance/inspection program structures
• Hands-on exposure to aircraft systems (airframe, engines, hydraulics, fuel, avionics) and practical knowledge of maintenance practices and terminology
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel for data analysis, Word for technical reports) and willingness to learn CMMS tools (e.g., Ramco, AMOS, TRAX)
• Strong documentation skills: ability to write clear technical reports, work orders, and parts requests
• Ability to work in physical environments (hangar/shop) and to access aircraft with safe use of platforms, ladders, and PPE

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent
• Experience with structural repairs (composites and metallic), non-destructive inspection (NDI) methods, or engine maintenance support
• Familiarity with engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5), CAD basics (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), and technical illustration
• Experience using maintenance tracking systems (Ramco, AMOS, TRAX) and configuration management workflows
• Knowledge of human factors, safety management systems (SMS), and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles
• Relevant certifications such as NDT Level I/II, IPC/WHMA-620, or Manufacturer-specific training

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Understanding of aircraft systems: primary/secondary flight controls, landing gear, environmental control, fuel and hydraulic systems, and turbine/piston engine fundamentals
• Basic competency in reading and interpreting maintenance manuals (AMM), IPCs, SRMs, and structural repair manuals (SRM)
• Familiarity with regulatory databases, AD tracking, and compliance workflows
• Experience with CMMS maintenance scheduling, work order creation, and parts provisioning
• Exposure to diagnostic tools: multimeters, borescopes, torque tools, and basic engine ground run instrumentation
• Basic CAD or technical drawing skills for producing or annotating engineering illustrations

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Strong attention to detail and disciplined documentation practices to support airworthiness and auditability
• Effective communicator able to translate maintenance findings into concise engineering dispositions and workscope
• Collaborative mindset: proven ability to work with cross-functional teams including licensed mechanics, quality inspectors, supply chain, and flight operations
• Willingness to learn and accept mentorship: demonstrates rapid skill acquisition and proactive follow-up on feedback
• Problem-analytic approach: able to support root-cause investigations using structured techniques and data-driven reasoning
• Professionalism in safety-critical environments and commitment to regulatory compliance and continuous improvement

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) or local equivalent with company match and retirement planning resources
• Paid time off, holiday schedule, and paid training/continuous education allowances for certifications and OEM courses
• Tuition reimbursement or certification sponsorship for A&P and related programs
• On-the-job mentorship program with structured career progression toward Senior A&P Engineer or Reliability/Certification roles
• Employee assistance program, wellness benefits, and travel discounts where applicable

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups in aerospace to apply.

Location

This position is based on-site at [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be able to work in a hangar/shop environment and attend in-person team and regulatory meetings as required.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your relevant A&P training, hands-on experience, and career objectives. Applications that clearly demonstrate motivation to grow within aircraft maintenance engineering and alignment with regulatory compliance will receive priority consideration.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring an experienced A&P Engineer to lead airworthiness, maintenance engineering, and certification activities for fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. In this role you will apply FAA (or applicable authority) Airframe & Powerplant principles to evaluate maintenance programs, develop engineering orders, and resolve complex in-service issues. You will work with cross-functional teams—maintenance operations, reliability, procurement, design engineering, and regulatory—to ensure continued airworthiness, optimize maintenance costs, and close technical records. This is a hands-on, engineering-focused position for a technically rigorous candidate with demonstrated aircraft systems knowledge and strong regulatory compliance experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide certified A&P engineering oversight for aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and modification activities; author and approve work packages, engineering orders (EOs), technical data packages, and repair assessments.
• Evaluate service difficulty reports, component/system failures, and reliability data to define root cause, corrective actions, and preventive measures; implement engineering changes and reliability improvements.
• Develop, review, and sign off on maintenance manuals, inspection intervals, structural repair schemes, and MEL/CDL items to ensure compliance with 14 CFR (or local equivalent), Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS), and Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
• Lead certification projects for modifications, Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), field approvals, and major repairs; coordinate with Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), repair stations, and the assigned regulatory authorities.
• Define tools, test equipment, borescope and NDT requirements; coordinate shop/line troubleshooting activities and provide technical direction to licensed mechanics and technicians.
• Support in-service technical support escalations and production troubleshooting including structured failure investigations, non-routine approvals, and engineering disposition of unairworthy conditions.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, logbooks, FAA Form 8110/8130 equivalents, and documentation required for continued airworthiness and audits.
• Participate in audits, safety reviews, and change control boards; prepare compliance packages and responses to regulatory findings.
• Mentor and train maintenance staff on airworthiness best practices, maintenance data interpretation, and compliance with maintenance program requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Active FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent civil aviation authority maintenance license.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical field, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance, inspection, or engineering roles with documented experience conducting repairs, major inspections, and/or certification activities.
• Proven working knowledge of airworthiness regulations (14 CFR parts 21/43/91/121/135 as applicable) and demonstrated experience implementing ADs, SBs, and TCDS requirements.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience producing engineering orders, repair schemes, maintenance program documentation, and compliance reports.
• Experience with structural repair processes and non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (eddy current, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, radiography) or equivalent inspection techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and attention-to-detail; ability to manage multiple maintenance engineering tasks and deliver regulatory-compliant solutions under schedule pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Designated Engineering Representative (DER) experience, or experience working directly with DERs.
• Experience with supplemental type certificate (STC) development, major modification certification, or repair station engineering support.
• Familiarity with reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), predictive maintenance (PdM) technologies, borescope inspection programs, and health & usage monitoring systems (HUMS).
• Advanced degree in engineering or relevant certifications (e.g., Part 145 repair station experience, NDT Level II/III, ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Experience with aviation maintenance information systems (AMIS), such as CAMP, Ramco, Trax, AMOS, or similar CMMS/aviation ERP platforms.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Deep understanding of aircraft systems: avionics, airframe structures, propulsion/engines, fuel systems, and landing gear.
• Experience with structural analysis fundamentals, load paths, and fatigue damage tolerance concepts; familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) tools is a plus.
• Proficiency reading and authoring engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and maintenance process flow charts; strong CAD literacy (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) is beneficial.
• Hands-on familiarity with test equipment, diagnostic tools, borescopes, torque tools, vibration analysis tools, and common shop tooling.
• Experience integrating maintenance processes into CI/CD-like workflows for data, e.g., automated reliability reporting, dashboards, and telemetry ingestion (MQTT, REST APIs) where applicable.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Clear, concise communicator: ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable maintenance instructions and executive summaries.
• Proven leadership: lead maintenance engineering reviews, drive change through stakeholders, and mentor junior technicians and engineers.
• Collaborative mindset: work closely with operations, procurement, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs to deliver pragmatic, safe solutions.
• Bias for measurable outcomes: define success metrics (MTTR, in-service reliability, AD closure time) and drive continuous improvement using data.
• High integrity and safety-first judgment, with a track record of making compliance-driven decisions during operational pressure.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonuses: [$SALARY_RANGE]
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance; employer-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) or local-equivalent retirement plan with company match; paid time off and paid parental leave.
• Professional development allowance for certifications, DER engagement, and training; company support for NDT and regulatory courses.
• Employee assistance programs, wellness benefits, and relocation assistance where applicable.
• Opportunities for career progression into senior engineering, certification management, or maintenance operations leadership roles.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these factors.

Location

This position is site-based and requires regular presence at our maintenance facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be able to work on-site, participate in line and hangar activities, and be available for occasional on-call or shift work depending on operational requirements.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our careers portal. Only complete applications will be considered; candidates must include evidence of A&P certification or equivalent licensing. [$COMPANY_NAME] will contact qualified applicants to schedule interviews.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

As a Senior Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Engineer at [$COMPANY_NAME], you will lead technical oversight, airworthiness assurance, and maintenance engineering for a mixed fleet of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. You will define maintenance strategies, develop and approve structural and powerplant repairs, author engineering orders and service bulletins, and act as the principal point of contact for regulatory authorities (e.g., FAA, EASA) and OEMs. This senior position requires proven experience in advanced structural analysis, propulsion systems diagnostics, certification liaison, and maintenance program optimization to increase aircraft availability while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering disposition of aircraft defects, structural damage assessments, and non-routine repairs; produce clear, auditable Engineering Orders (EOs) and Repair Approvals.
• Perform and review structural analysis using classical methods and FEM tools (e.g., Nastran, Patran, Abaqus) to validate repair solutions and life-limited part dispositions.
• Oversee propulsion and accessory troubleshooting, borescope inspections, performance trending, and on-wing repair strategies for turbine and reciprocating engines.
• Develop and optimize scheduled maintenance programs (CMP, MSG-3, OEM recommendations) and condition-based maintenance procedures to improve reliability and reduce unscheduled downtime.
• Authorize and supervise complex modifications, STC installations, and system retrofits; coordinate Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or Authorized Release Engineer interactions as required.
• Serve as primary regulatory liaison for certification, recurrent inspections, airworthiness directives (ADs), and continued operational safety; draft compliance packages and ensure timely AD/Service Bulletin closure.
• Define inspection intervals, non-destructive inspection (NDI) plans (ultrasound, eddy current, radiography, borescope), repair acceptance criteria, and life-limit calculations for components.
• Lead root cause investigations and reliability engineering initiatives; use data from flight operations, maintenance logs, and health monitoring systems to drive corrective actions.
• Mentor and lead multidisciplinary maintenance and engineering teams; own engineering change control, configuration management, and publish authoritative technical documentation.
• Participate in on-call rotations to support in-field engineering decisions and complex maintenance events, including AOG responses.

Required Qualifications

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent; DER experience or ability to work with DERs preferred.
• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline; or equivalent military/industrial experience.
• Minimum 8+ years of hands-on aviation maintenance engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a senior technical lead or engineering authority role.
• Demonstrated experience in structural damage assessment, repair design, and approval processes for airframe metallic and composite structures.
• Proven knowledge of propulsion systems, engine removal/installation procedures, accessory troubleshooting, and performance restoration techniques.
• Practical experience with NDI/inspection techniques (eddy current, ultrasonic, radiography, borescope) and interpretation of results against acceptance criteria.
• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks (FAA FARs, EASA CS, ICAO Annexes) and compliance processes for ADs, SBs, and certification tasks.
• Strong technical writing skills for producing EOs, repair schemes, service reports, safety assessments, and compliance documentation.
• Proficiency with maintenance data systems (CMMS), engineering data packages, and configuration management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in structural mechanics, fracture mechanics, or equivalent and published work in fatigue/structural integrity is a plus.
• Experience with finite element analysis tools (MSC Nastran, Abaqus) and damage-tolerance analysis methodologies.
• Experience supporting certification projects, STC development, or major modification programs.
• Previous experience with avionics integration, wire harness repair standards, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Familiarity with Health & Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS), real-time telemetry, and predictive maintenance analytics.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Structural analysis and finite element modeling (Nastran, Abaqus, Patran).
• NDI methods and equipment: eddy current, ultrasonic, radiography, dye-penetrant, and borescope inspection.
• Engine diagnostic tools, borescope analysis, and test-cell procedures for turbine engines.
• Maintenance data and workflow systems (e.g., AMOS, CAMP, TRAX, Ramco, Maximo) and CMMS integration.
• Configuration management and technical publication tools (Authoring tools, PLM systems).
• Regulatory documentation and compliance tracking systems; familiarity with AD tracking and safety management systems (SMS).

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Proven leadership in high-pressure operational environments; history of leading cross-functional teams through complex engineering decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder communication: translate technical findings into actionable maintenance plans for operations, supply chain, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Strong decision-making with a safety-first mindset and objective risk assessment capability.
• Mentorship and coaching experience; track record of developing junior technicians and engineers and improving team engineering rigor.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional documentation discipline and an investigator's approach to root-cause analysis.
• Collaborative, inclusive leader who promotes psychological safety and diverse perspectives in problem solving.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary: [$SALARY_RANGE].
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; company-paid basic life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and financial planning resources.
• Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and flexible leave policies for safety and family needs.
• Continuing education and certification reimbursement; paid training for NDI, avionics, and regulatory updates.
• Relocation assistance and travel allowances for field deployments and AOG responses where applicable.
• Employee assistance programs, wellness stipends, and on-site or partnered health services where available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.

Location

This is an on-site position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be able to perform aircraft maintenance and engineering tasks at hangar or field locations and participate in travel for AOG and certification activities as required.

How to Apply

Please submit a current resume and a brief cover letter outlining relevant aircraft types, A&P certificate details, DER interactions (if any), and your experience with structural repairs and propulsion systems. Only applicants who submit the required documents will be considered.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Lead A&P Engineer to lead airworthiness engineering, maintenance program development, and propulsion systems integration for commercial and defense aircraft platforms. As the lead technical owner you will architect and certify maintenance concepts, drive structural and propulsion system analyses, and coordinate compliance activities with certification authorities (e.g., FAA, EASA). This is a hands-on engineering leadership position combining deep domain expertise in airframe & powerplant systems with program-level accountability for reliability, maintainability, and continuing airworthiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead the airworthiness engineering function for assigned platforms: develop and approve maintenance programs, service bulletins, and continued operational safety plans.
• Own propulsion system integration activities: define engine/airframe interfaces, bleed and fuel system design reviews, vibration & torsional analyses, and harmonize with OEM engine suppliers.
• Perform and review structural and fatigue analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN, ANSYS) and support testing (static, fatigue, modal) to substantiate life limits and damage tolerances.
• Develop maintenance and inspection tasks leveraging Fracture Mechanics, Damage Tolerance Analysis (DTA), and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods (eddy current, ultrasound, radiography).
• Define and manage certification packages: DER/PMA interfaces, Means of Compliance, compliance matrices, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and certification plans for modifications and repairs.
• Lead cross-functional technical reviews (design, stress, systems, manufacturing, flight test) and generate Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) for major technical decisions.
• Establish and monitor reliability, maintainability, and availability (RMA) metrics; implement design or operational mitigations driven by in-service data using FMECA, root cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Mentor and grow a team of A&P engineers and technicians; own hiring, performance development, and technical training in inspection techniques, regulatory compliance, and systems troubleshooting.
• Coordinate ground and flight test campaigns, instrumentation strategies, and data acquisition for structural and propulsion validation; analyze telemetry and flight test data using MATLAB/Python and instrumentation suites.
• Interface with suppliers, MRO partners, and regulatory authorities to resolve technical discrepancies, approve repairs, and implement fleet-wide maintenance improvements.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering or equivalent; active A&P mechanic certificate or demonstrated equivalent experience in aviation maintenance engineering strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in airworthiness, structural analysis, or propulsion systems engineering with at least 3 years in a lead or technical authority role.
• Proven experience preparing certification artifacts and interacting with FAA/EASA or other civil/defense certification authorities.
• Hands-on experience with finite element analysis (NASTRAN/Patran, ANSYS), fracture mechanics, fatigue life prediction, and damage tolerance methodologies.
• Practical knowledge of NDT techniques (UT, Eddy Current, Radiography), maintenance program development, and structural repair design.
• Strong scripting and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, SQL) for telemetry analysis, test data reduction, and reliability trending.
• Excellent technical writing skills for developing compliance reports, maintenance manuals (AMM/IPC/MPD), and service instructions.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or graduate coursework in aerospace structures, materials, or propulsion.
• Experience with composite structures, bonded repairs, and composite damage assessment tools.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, DO-178/DO-254 for integrated avionics, and CM/PLM tools (Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter).
• Prior DER, DAR, or equivalent delegated authority experience.
• Experience working with turbofan/turbojet engines, auxiliary power units (APUs), or electric propulsion systems.
• Active security clearance or experience with defense prime contract compliance (DFARS, ITAR).

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• FEA tools: NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus; familiarity with model verification & validation.
• Structural analysis: Linear/Non-linear, modal analysis, fatigue & fracture mechanics, damage tolerance analysis.
• Propulsion: engine integration, bleed/fuel systems, inlet/exhaust aero-structural interfaces, vibration analysis, engine health monitoring.
• NDT & inspection tooling: Ultrasonic testing (UT), Eddy Current (ECT), Radiography (RT), boroscopes, phased array.
• Data & test tools: MATLAB, Python (NumPy/Pandas/Matplotlib), LabVIEW, DAQ systems, telemetry post-processing.
• Configuration & lifecycle tools: PLM (Windchill/Teamcenter), DOORS or other requirements management systems, Git.
• Regulatory & standards familiarity: FAA/EASA guidance, ARP4754/ARP4761, SAE AS standards, IPC/AMM formatting.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Demonstrated leadership in technical decision-making: track record of authoring and defending ADRs and certification strategies.
• Exceptional stakeholder communication: translate complex technical risk into actionable program decisions for engineering, operations, and executive leadership.
• Mental model for systems thinking: synthesize airframe, propulsion, and operations constraints to optimize maintainability and lifecycle cost.
• Mentorship mindset: proven ability to develop junior engineers and technicians through structured training and code/inspection reviews.
• Detail-oriented with a bias for documented evidence, reproducible test plans, and measurable success criteria.
• Adaptable under operational pressure: experience debugging complex production or in-service failures using root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and total compensation package: [$SALARY_RANGE].
• Equity or long-term incentive awards (where applicable) and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts and mental health support.
• 401(k) or pension plan with company match and financial planning resources.
• Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and professional development budget for certifications and conferences.
• On-site or partnered MRO/test facilities, access to advanced lab equipment, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary research and publication.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Location

This role is based on-site at [$COMPANY_LOCATION] with required travel to flight test ranges, MRO partners, and supplier facilities. Candidates must be able to work on-site to access test labs, hangars, and avionics/propulsion integration facilities.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant airworthiness and propulsion experience. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country of [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking an accomplished Chief A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Engineer to lead aircraft airworthiness, maintenance engineering, and regulatory compliance across our fleet operations at [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. The Chief A&P Engineer will define technical strategy for maintenance programs, certify structural and powerplant modifications, own the engineering data authority, and partner with operations and safety to ensure regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA/other applicable authorities). This is an executive technical leadership role combining deep hands-on A&P expertise with program-level engineering governance, supplier and MRO oversight, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the technical engineering roadmap for airworthiness, continuing airworthiness, and maintenance program optimization for fixed-wing and/or rotary-wing assets.
• Serve as the accountable engineering authority for A&P maintenance practices, major repairs, alterations, and STC/field approval processes; sign engineering approvals and form 8110/8130 equivalents as required by regulatory authority.
• Lead certification activities for modifications and Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), including technical data package preparation, structural analysis, fatigue assessment, and coordination with certification authorities.
• Define and approve maintenance control processes, scheduled maintenance tasking, structural inspection intervals (SII), damage tolerance analyses (DTA), life-limited parts (LLP) policies, and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) programs.
• Provide technical governance for MRO contracts and supplier engineering — conduct capability assessments, audit engineering practices, and drive corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Oversee engineering change management (ECM), configuration control, and maintenance data integrity in CMMS/AMMS systems; ensure accurate work card, IPC, and structural repair manual (SRM) data.
• Lead root cause investigations for in-service failures, oversee corrective action planning, and implement preventive engineering changes with measurable reliability KPIs.
• Build and mentor a high-performance engineering team: hire senior engineers, define competency frameworks, run technical reviews, and mentor A&P inspectors and certifying staff.
• Collaborate with Safety, Flight Operations, Procurement, and Finance to balance airworthiness, operational availability, and cost-of-ownership decisions.
• Represent [$COMPANY_NAME] to regulatory authorities, industry working groups, and OEM technical liaison meetings; prepare technical reports and present engineering positions.

Required Qualifications

• Active FAA A&P mechanic certificate with Inspection Authorization (IA), or equivalent regulatory certification (EASA Part-66 Cat A/B1/B2) as applicable to [$COMPANY_LOCATION].
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent military/technical experience; strong preference for an FAA Repairman/DER experience or recognized Design Organization experience.
• Minimum 12+ years of hands-on aircraft maintenance and engineering experience, with at least 5 years in senior engineering leadership or chief engineer roles.
• Proven track record authoring and approving major repair/alteration packages, STC/STAs, and conducting structural analyses (finite element analysis preferred).
• Deep knowledge of airworthiness regulations (e.g., 14 CFR, EASA CS, Part-M/G) and demonstrated experience interacting with FAA/EASA/CAAs during certification or compliance audits.
• Demonstrated experience with maintenance planning tools, CMMS/AMMS (e.g., AMOS, Ramco, TRAX), and engineering data systems (CAA-approved document control).
• Strong technical judgment in damage tolerance, fatigue life assessment, corrosion control, and LLP management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; history of presenting to regulators, OEMs, and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or equivalent delegated authority experience.
• Experience managing mixed fleets (regional jets, narrow-body, rotary-wing) and life-cycle engineering for leased assets.
• Familiarity with structural analysis tools (NASTRAN, ANSYS) and proficiency in data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience implementing Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), MSG-3 processes, and predictive maintenance programs leveraging health-monitoring data.
• Advanced degree in aerospace or structural engineering; professional engineering (PE) license a plus.

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Regulatory frameworks: FAA, EASA, CAAs — certification and continuing airworthiness processes.
• Maintenance systems: AMOS, Ramco, TRAX, CAMP, or equivalent CMMS/maintenance planning systems.
• Engineering tools: CAD for airframe/powerplant modifications, FEA tools (NASTRAN/ANSYS), structural repair manual authoring.
• Data tools: CMMS reporting, SQL-capable analytics, Python/MATLAB for fleet health and fatigue life analysis.
• Document control and configuration management systems, technical publications, and IPC/SRM management.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Executive technical leadership: track record of setting engineering strategy, making trade-off decisions, and aligning multi-disciplinary teams.
• Stakeholder influence: ability to negotiate durable engineering solutions with regulators, OEMs, MROs, and internal operations.
• Coaching and talent development: experience building bench strength, running technical interviews, and leading training programs for A&P inspectors and engineers.
• Risk-focused mindset: capable of translating technical risks into operational and financial impacts, and implementing mitigations with measurable KPIs.
• Decisive under pressure: proven capability to lead incident response for in-service events and manage time-sensitive regulatory reporting.

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match and executive-level supplemental benefits.
• Competitive paid time off, paid parental leave, and paid professional development budget.
• Reimbursement for regulatory license renewals, training, and attendance at industry conferences (e.g., IATA, AIA) and OEM technical courses.
• Opportunities for equity participation or long-term incentive plans for senior hires.
• Relocation assistance to [$COMPANY_LOCATION] where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Location

This position is based onsite at [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Regular presence at our maintenance facilities, hangars, and occasional travel to regulatory authorities, OEMs, and MRO partners is required.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining relevant A&P certifications, DER/IA experience, and major certification or STC projects you led. Candidates must be authorized to work in the jurisdiction of [$COMPANY_LOCATION].