Sierra Nevada Corporation · Plano, TX

Aerospace Engineer III - Certification Engineer at Sierra Nevada Corporation — Plano, TX

Full-timePlano, TXPosted 2026-07-21Apply on Workday
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Full job description

Are you passionate about turning bold ideas into real-world flying machines? Join a team of innovators on a mission to unite, explore, and inspire. As an aerospace engineer specializing in aircraft certification, you’ll play a key role in bringing cutting-edge concepts to life, working hand-in-hand with aircraft regulators to ensure our designs meet stringent military and civilian standards.

In this high-impact position, you’ll dive into every stage of the product lifecycle: from brainstorming and development to analysis, testing, and delivery. Every day presents new challenges, as you help solve a wide variety of technical puzzles related to aircraft design, modification, and operation. You’ll collaborate across the organization, gaining exposure to nearly every discipline and taking a big-picture view of what makes our air systems excel. If you’re ready to help shape the future of aerospace, we’d love to have you on board!

Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate certification planning activities to support military airworthiness approval for Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft (MCDA) Projects, including development of certification and compliance planning documents.
  • Actively participate in internal and external design and management reviews (i.e. PDR, CDR), including preparation of technical presentations and documentation for review by airworthiness authorities.
  • Collaborate closely with program management, engineering teams, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), the FAA, and military customers to ensure clear communication and alignment of certification requirements.
  • Provide guidance on airworthiness and certification requirements to both internal stakeholders and external partners, supporting teams in navigating complex military certification challenges and processes.
  • Review compliance documentation for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to applicable regulatory and military standards, including MIL-HDB-516.
  • Develop, author, and maintain detailed compliance documentation, certification reports, and other required artifacts to support successful airworthiness substantiation and project milestones.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or other related discipline and typically 6 or more years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or leading military aircraft certification projects in accordance with MIL-HDBK-516, including developing certification plans, establishing certification basis, proposing Methods of Compliance, and proposing compliance artifacts.
  • Experience in reading, reviewing and interpreting technical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable military and regulatory regulations.
  • Experience working in the Aerospace and/or Defense Industry.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and interface with miliary and regulatory agencies.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Prior experience supporting military airworthiness approvals for MCDA projects, specifically utilizing FAA Order 8110.101A.
  • Experience coordinating certification approvals with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office, Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), Delegated Engineering Representatives (DERs)/Unit Members or other certifying authorities.
  • Familiarity with FAA Certification Standards and processes, including 14 CFR Part 21, 23, and 25.
  • Background or formal training in project management.
  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%.
  • Work in an office or hybrid environment.
  • May require lifting up to 25 lbs occasionally.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: