Demo

Cockpit Lead Systems Engineer

Saalex
Lexington, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 11/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/7/2026

Greenfield Engineering, a Saalex Company is seeking a Cockpit Lead Systems Engineer to serve as the primary engineering and technical lead for cockpit projects supporting the VH-3D, VH-60N, and VH-92A aircraft within the PMA-274 Presidential Helicopters Program. This position provides systems engineering leadership and technical execution oversight for the acquisition, development, integration, testing, certification, and sustainment of aircraft cockpit and avionics systems.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $160k-$225k annually (depending on experience)

Work Location: Onsite

Essential Functions:

  • Provide engineering leadership for VH aircraft cockpit systems, including communications, navigation, surveillance and identification, cockpit controls, and cockpit displays.
  • Support the acquisition, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of VH avionics systems.
  • Develop and manage technical roadmaps for current and planned cockpit projects, including obsolescence management and retrofit planning.
  • Support sustainment activities and deficiency resolution for legacy VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft and systems.
  • Document, develop, and maintain project and verification requirements.
  • Coordinate with the Cockpit Lead Engineer to assign, review, and approve technical products.
  • Evaluate proposed design changes through trade studies to resolve system integration challenges.
  • Review and approve engineering change proposals and related documentation changes.
  • Apply the NAVAIR Systems Engineering Technical Review process to support the acquisition of developmental systems.
  • Develop and present systems engineering products and lead the preparation of SETR briefs.
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans that consider cost, schedule, safety, and fleet performance.
  • Support PMA-led program forums addressing mission requirements, logistics, human factors, testing, evaluation, and other multidisciplinary program issues.
  • Provide technical and systems engineering support for FAA certification, Navy and Marine Corps airworthiness, and Cybersafe processes.
  • Lead engineering teams, participate in recurring working groups, and coordinate across Fleet and Operations organizations, PMA-274 integrated product teams, other PMAs, and industry partners.
  • Influence system design decisions, resolve technical deficiencies, manage integration issues, and develop project schedules.
  • Provide technical direction and tasking to engineers supporting the VH-92A Mission Systems and Software IPT.
  • Proactively identify and complete tasks that improve program and project execution.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

Required:

  • Knowledge and practical experience with avionics subsystems.
  • Experience with the NAVAIR SETR and Flight Clearance processes.
  • Experience supporting systems engineering contract execution.
  • Familiarity with aircraft cockpit and avionics technologies, including:
    • Cockpit controls and displays
    • Digital intercommunication systems
    • Cryptographic devices
    • Graphical user interfaces
    • ARC-210
    • APX-123 IFF transponder
    • Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
    • Traffic Collision Avoidance System
    • H-764 Embedded GPS Inertial
    • Navigation aids
    • Flight management systems
    • Digital map systems
  • Familiarity with FAA aircraft and systems certification processes, policies, and directives.
  • Familiarity with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps airworthiness and Cybersafe policies and processes.
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate across government, Fleet, engineering, program, and industry organizations.
  • Ability to manage daily integration challenges, influence design decisions, resolve deficiencies, and develop schedules.

Desired:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, computer science, aviation technology, or another related technical discipline.
  • Experience supporting NAVAIR, PMA-274, presidential helicopter platforms, or other military aircraft programs.
  • Experience with VH-3D, VH-60N, or VH-92A aircraft.
  • Experience developing technical roadmaps, SETR documentation, engineering change proposals, trade studies, and technical risk mitigation plans.

Education/Years of Experience:

HS Diploma or GED required and 5 years of related experience. Bachelor’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, computer science, aviation technology, or another related technical discipline desired.

Security Clearance:

Active Top Secret Clearance required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Yankee White. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Wellness Resources
  • Stock Option Plan

Salary : $160,000 - $225,000

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