We're seeking a motivated Principal Systems Engineer to help build a revolutionary 'lighter than air' flight vehicle in Sunnyvale, CA. You will work within a dynamic engineering and design team to help plan, conceptualize, rapidly prototype, test and implement innovative solutions for the design, fabrication, and assembly of large experimental flight vehicles. We believe in fast-cycle development and approach to flight systems development with the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot." This unique position allows for hands-on contributions through all phases of development, from concept to flight of an experimental aerospace vehicle.
We are interested in a mission-driven, passionate systems engineer to help lead the design and development of next generation airships as well as define and implement the processes and infrastructure required for experimental and type certified aircraft.
Responsibilities

• Strategically develop, document, and communicate requirements for various subsystems.
• Quantify and recommend scenario coverage to stress test requirements, including ensuring the realism and relevance of proposed tests.
• Work closely with simulation engineers to set requirements on features that ensure high fidelity performance evaluation.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to quantify the dependence of performance on platform capability.
• Lead, plan, and manage mission utilization of complex aerospace systems and capabilities, including mission system element design, capability assessment, mission threads, interfaces, verification/validation planning, and mission integration functions during system development.
• Perform trade off analysis, modeling, simulation, and analysis to assess system design.
• Responsible for writing monthly status and technical performance reviews and reports.
• Grow systems team with systems focused subject matter experts on mechatronics subsystems.
• Lead the System Life Cycle development phase for complex engineering systems to comply with aerospace standards such as ARP4754B and ARP4761A.
• Work with various cross-functional teams/groups such as Functional Safety, Process Analysis, QA, EE, Software, GNC, Mechanical, etc.
• Provide necessary artifacts/interfaces to cross-functional teams per certification standards such as DO-178C, DO-254 DO-160 related efforts.
• Support Airship Certification process.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of aerospace systems and ability to leverage this knowledge to build tooling and infrastructure.
• Experience in working with ARP and DO certification standards.
• 10 years experience with BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply systems engineering concepts of requirements, verification, and validation.
• Strong programming (eg, Python, MATLAB), data analysis and algorithmic problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ALM/PLM suites.
• Ability to find root cause from anomalous behavior within complex systems.
• Experience in development and maintenance of ICDs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills with the ability and desire to direct a technical team
• Previous experience in type certification of prototype aircraft
• Previous experience in management of small to medium teams
• Previous experience in startup environments

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO 11 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Mental health benefit
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable

The base salary range for this role is $140,000 to $200,000, which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.
LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.