Principal Certification & Airworthiness Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States; on-site

Salary: $160,000–$210,000 per year, plus equity.

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology startup founded in 2023 that develops next-generation autonomous and decentralized defense platforms for the United States and its allies.

What you will do

• Serve as the independent airworthiness authority for flight systems and payload integrations.
• Define certification strategies and compliance plans aligned with MIL-HDBK-516, FAA/EASA regulations, and Department of War airworthiness requirements.
• Lead airworthiness documentation, system safety activities, hazard analyses, and safety risk assessments under MIL-STD-882E.
• Oversee certification of aircraft systems, modifications, repairs, hazardous payloads, and weapons system integrations.
• Approve ground and flight test plans, safety-critical design changes, configuration releases, and flight readiness.
• Establish Airworthiness Review Boards and Safety Review Boards, mentor engineering teams, and advise leadership and government stakeholders.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or national security flight systems, including airworthiness certification or system safety.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Deep knowledge of MIL-HDBK-516/MIL-STD-516 airworthiness criteria and MIL-STD-882 system safety.
• Experience with Department of Defense airworthiness authorities and Military Flight Release processes.
• Familiarity with hazardous payload and munition standards, including MIL-STD-2105 and MIL-STD-1316.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and receive ITAR/EAR-controlled technology without export-license sponsorship.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.
• Startup environment focused on rapid manufacturing, innovation, and national security.
• Employment verification is conducted through E-Verify.