Aircraft Subsystems Engineering Lead
At a glance
Senior Engineering Leadership role at Natilus. San Diego · full-time · $170,000–$195,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Guide aircraft systems from early concepts through first flight, then carry design and analysis work toward production
- Set technical direction for the Kona systems team, assigning priorities and coaching engineers to deliver quality work on time
- Coordinate interfaces, compliance, trade studies and schedules across propulsion, fuel, electrical, avionics and flight-control systems
- Track engineering outputs, address emerging problems and coordinate corrective steps with the executive team
What you bring
- At least ten years in systems engineering or a closely related discipline
- Aerospace or mechanical engineering education, or equivalent practical experience, plus a sound grasp of aircraft systems
- Experience with FAA Part 23 and 25, aircraft systems testing, and turboprop installation design
- Proficiency in NX, CATIA or SolidWorks, with experience taking rapid-prototype aircraft from design into build
Who this fits
This senior engineering lead role suits someone who can guide a team while staying involved in aircraft systems design and integration. The position is onsite in San Diego, with occasional travel and work at a local hangar; you’ll mentor engineers and set their priorities.
From the employer
Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.
By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation
Work Summary:
Natilus is seeking a Aircraft Subsystems Engineering Lead to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will contribute and lead end-to-end systems development, including requirements definition, system architecture, and technical integration across all subsystems including flight control mechanisms, propulsion, avionics, electrical and fuel systems. This role oversees trade studies, interface control, compliance, and scheduling, while providing technical leadership and mentorship to engineering team.
Main Responsibilities:
- Applies technical knowledge to the aircraft systems design from concept through first flight
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for the Kona systems design team
- Assign work, set priorities, and mentor engineers to ensure timely, high-quality execution
- Communicate and collaborate closely with the executive team including CEO and Head of Engineering
- Manage engineering deliverables, identify issues, and drive corrective actions as needed
- Lead and contribute to aircraft system design and analysis from concept through production, including propulsion, fuel, electrical, avionics, and flight controls
Requirements
- Minimum of 10 years of experience as a systems engineer or in a closely related role
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
- Strong foundational understanding of aircraft systems
- Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and 25 requirements
- Experience with aircraft systems test planning and execution
- Experience with turboprop powerplant installation design
- Familiarity with composite airframe design and integration
- Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
- Experience with rapid prototype aircraft programs from conceptual and preliminary design through build
Desired Experience:
- Kickoff through production program experience
- Rapid prototype program experience
- Hands-on build experience
Core Behaviors:
- Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
- Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
- Lead by example and model expected behaviors
- Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities
Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required
Compensation:
The expected salary range for this position is $170,000 to $195,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and business needs.
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
Retirement Plan – 401k
Unlimited PTO
Onsite Gym Access
Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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