AD&D Aircraft Systems Engineer - Principal Sr

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Cirrus Aircraft is seeking a forward-thinking, multidisciplinary engineer to join our Advanced Design & Development (AD&D) team. This role plays a key part in shaping the future of general aviation by driving innovation in system design, technology integration, and concept development for next-generation aircraft. The ideal candidate is collaborative, creative, and comfortable challenging conventional thinking to solve complex problems and advance aviation technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

The Principal Aircraft Systems Engineer will lead early-stage system design and innovation activities, including:

• Conducting research on legacy designs and competitor products to identify new techniques and technologies
• Contributing to technology roadmaps and deployment strategies for emerging systems
• Leading conceptual design, prototyping, and feasibility assessments for new technologies
• Designing and building proof-of-concept systems for testing and evaluation
• Collaborating with production and research groups to integrate lessons learned and leverage new manufacturing technologies
• Ensuring system requirements are well-defined, traceable, and aligned with future product development
• Creating test labs and leading experimental validation of advanced systems
• Supporting the transition of conceptual designs into production-level development
• Coordinating system integration activities with internal teams and external partners
• Conducting system and subsystem validation using lab and flight-ready test environments
• Partnering with the Intellectual Property team to identify valuable early-stage innovations and supplier strategies

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 18+ years of experience in aerospace system design, development, and integration
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas through presentations, reports, and prototypes
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and quickly learn new tools and technologies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio)
• Experience with ideation techniques, including brainstorming sessions and concept development
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping techniques (electronics, 3D printing, programmable hardware)

Preferred Experience:

• Integrated avionics, electro-mechanical actuators, or advanced sensors and communications
• System development and certification standards (e.g., ARP 4754, DO-178, DO-254)
• Safety analysis methodologies (e.g., ARP 4761, MIL-STD-882, ISO 26262)
• Environmental qualification processes (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810)
• Basic CAD (CREO, SolidWorks) and programming tools (Python, C, MATLAB, Simulink)
• Familiarity with piloting concepts and the National Airspace System
• Experience using lab equipment like oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Attracts Top Talent
• Builds Networks
• Balances Stakeholders
• Business Insight
• Courage

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120 + hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.