AD&D Systems Engineer - Advanced Flight Controls Sr Principal

Job Summary

The AD&D Systems Engineer - Advanced Flight Controls Sr Principal is a visionary and hands-on engineer responsible for the early-stage development of new and innovative advanced flight control systems within the Cirrus Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) department.  This position will own the initial phases of advanced flight control systems development — from initial ideation through, requirements capture, technology maturation, developmental testing/simulation, conceptual design, and well into requirements validation to ensure a robust solution is delivered to Product Development.

This role is a key part of a small, agile team at the intersection of multiple disciplines, collaborating with avionics, electrical, mechanical, powerplant, software, flight physics, flight test, manufacturing, and certification teams to ensure fully integrated, high‑performing, safe, and compliant flight control systems.  The AD&D Systems Engineer – Advanced Flight Controls Sr Principal thrives in a fast‑paced environment, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and brings forward‑thinking energy to solving complex system‑level challenges that push the status quo, all while ensuring a safe and high-quality product for our customers.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Guide and provide technical ownership of advanced flight control systems from initial ideation through conceptual design and into practical product paths, including but not limited to primary flight control, automatic flight control, lift/drag augmentation, engine control, actuation, flight sensors, signal processing, and navigation.
• Support and guide a small team of technical professionals making quick, sound engineering decisions with limited data.
• Develop, review, and manage system level requirements across functional, performance, safety, human factors, environmental, operational, regulatory and service domains.
• Engineer and refine requirements and objectives through stakeholder engagement and iterative experimentation.
• Create and manage development plans focused on early-stage exploration, requirements capture, and concept validation.
• Conduct trade studies, analyses, and verification activities to validate architectures and design choices.
• Generate and test hypotheses through hands-on prototyping, simulation, and evaluation, with minimal supervision.
• Drive system maturation efforts, including lab testing, flight testing, supplier engagement, and integration activities.
• Lead and participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews throughout early development phases.
• Conduct early phase system safety and system development assurance activities (FHA, PSSA, FMEAs, requirements reviews, requirements validation, etc.)
• Generate engineering data and documentation, including but not limited to design notes, schematics, models, drawings, specifications, test plans, and reports.
• Translate verbal direction and vision into actionable design objectives and development strategies.
• Collaborate directly with pilots, mechanics, and experimental technicians, as well as external stakeholders such as Product Development, Certification, and Production teams.
• Foster a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, learning from both success and failure.
• Support early phases of certification projects, including interfacing with civil aviation authorities and ODA members.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related STEM discipline); Master’s degree preferred.
• 14+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or advanced product development.
• Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of advanced flight control systems and supporting systems.
• Previous early product development experience – from a clean sheet to working prototypes.
• Proven track record of producing results when developing new designs or products.
• Willingness to take smart risks, accept accountability, and fix mistakes. •
• Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams and manage early development projects.
• Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate – and to minimize administrative overhead along the way.
• Experienced in iterative development cycles, with a strong ability to identify non-viable solutions early and reorient technical strategy quickly.
• Strong hands-on skills in prototyping, simulation, and testing, and comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment.
• Proficient in creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, logical diagrams , schematics, and engineering specifications.
• Working knowledge of system development and safety standards such as AC 23.1309 1E, SAE ARP4754A, SAE ARP4761.
• Familiarity with RTCA/DO-160 environmental qualification.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical writing skills. •
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, guidance materials, and aircraft certification processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous aircraft development program experience, from early concepts to entry into service.
• Previous experience leading Integrated Product Teams or similar technical teams.
• Experience defining system interfaces, control logic, crew indications, and flight manual procedures.
• Experience developing and managing complex requirement sets.
• Prior involvement in system or aircraft level design reviews for highly integrated systems.
• Familiarity with electro-mechanical equipment, embedded software, and avionics.
• Private pilot certificate or personal aviation experience.
• Hands on test experience including instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution.
• Familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill)
• Familiarity with Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink)
• Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)
• Proficient in at least one coding language.
• Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards).
• Experience representing systems in industry working groups or standards development.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite
• Bonus points if your weekends involve flying, plane spotting, or building RC aircraft.

Competencies

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

•  Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Conflict Management
• Resiliency & Adaptability

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.

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 after one year of employment.
• 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.