Safety & Airworthiness Specialist

Job Title: Airworthiness & Regulatory Specialist

Job Description

This role focuses on ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance within one of the world's safest transportation systems. As an Airworthiness & Regulatory Specialist on the Safety and Compliance Investigations (S&CI) team, you will independently lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations into regulatory compliance issues across the airplane lifecycle. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams through structured problem-solving, help leadership understand systemic root causes, and drive corrective actions that restore and maintain compliance. The position offers broad exposure to airplane certification activities, frequent interaction with technical experts and leadership, and the opportunity to influence safety and compliance practices across the enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for issues related to FAA Letters of Investigation, informal or formal compliance actions, voluntary disclosures, self-audit findings, and Part 25 airworthiness non-compliances.
• Guide functional engineering organizations, including Systems, Structures, Payloads, and Propulsion, through a structured investigation process using the Boeing Problem Solving Model (BPSM) or similar methodologies.
• Define clear problem statements for regulatory compliance issues and develop comprehensive investigations that identify systemic root causes.
• Develop and implement containment actions to address immediate compliance issues and prevent further impact.
• Define and coordinate actions to prevent recurrence of identified issues and establish actions to verify non-recurrence.
• Coordinate closely with functional groups, management, executives, and suppliers to ensure all stakeholders remain aligned on investigation status, findings, and resolution plans.
• Collaborate with the Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA) to ensure investigation documentation meets regulatory expectations and standards.
• Partner with enterprise-level groups to continuously improve investigation processes, tools, and methods, ensuring alignment with broader enterprise practices.
• Communicate complex technical and regulatory issues clearly to a wide range of audiences, including management, technical peers, and external stakeholders such as airlines and regulatory agencies.
• Lead and influence diverse teams of engineers and non-engineers, fostering collaboration and inclusive participation throughout investigations.
• Take ownership of assigned investigations and work activities, ensuring tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines.
• Support the broader Chief Aviation Safety Office (CASO) and program teams by providing expert insight into safety, compliance, and airplane-level implications of technical issues.
• Participate in rare domestic travel as needed to support investigations, stakeholder meetings, or coordination activities.
• Contribute to a culture that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas as essential components of product safety and compliance.
• Maintain a strong focus on work quality while balancing workload demands and occasional overtime for urgent issues.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with typically 10 or more years of related work experience, or a Master's degree with typically 8 or more years of related work experience, or approximately 14 years of related work experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to document complex investigations clearly and concisely.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical and regulatory information to varied audiences.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with management and technical peers from external customers, including airlines and regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and mentor diverse teams of engineers and non-engineers.
• Proven aptitude for taking initiative and leading cross-functional teams and complex projects.
• Ability and willingness to take ownership of work activities and facilitate their completion accurately, efficiently, and on time.
• Experience conducting structured root cause investigations and developing corrective and preventive actions.
• Willingness and ability to work 100% onsite in the specified Washington facility.
• Availability to work full-time on a first-shift schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) tools such as 5-Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and/or the Boeing Problem Solving Model (BPSM).
• 1+ years of experience with commercial airplane operation, certification, safety requirements, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of FAA regulatory compliance and Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA) procedures in accordance with FAA Order 8100.15.
• 1+ years of experience working with the FAA or other aviation regulatory agencies.
• 1+ years of experience in commercial airplane systems design or analysis (such as flight controls, hydraulics, avionics, fuels, or systems integration).
• Pilot's license, which provides additional insight into aircraft operations and safety considerations.
• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, demonstrating technical proficiency in aircraft maintenance and airworthiness.
• Experience working within large, complex engineering organizations and coordinating across multiple functional groups.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative environment that involves frequent interaction with enterprise partners and leadership.
• Interest in continuous improvement of processes, tools, and methodologies related to safety and compliance investigations.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, first-shift position based 100% onsite at a major aerospace facility in Washington. The standard schedule typically runs from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with occasional overtime required to address urgent issues. The role operates within a structured engineering and certification environment that leverages formal problem-solving frameworks such as the Boeing Problem Solving Model (BPSM) and established Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) tools. You will work closely with engineering teams, leadership, and regulatory experts in a highly collaborative and process-driven setting. The position does not require a security clearance and is classified as non-safety-sensitive. Domestic travel may be required on rare occasions, while international travel is not expected. The team values a healthy work-life balance and fosters a close-knit culture with access to dedicated mentors and RCCA experts. The environment emphasizes inclusion, diverse perspectives, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on maintaining and enhancing product safety and regulatory compliance. Dress expectations align with a professional engineering and office setting appropriate for frequent interaction with internal stakeholders and external regulatory and customer representatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Everett, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Everett,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.