Propulsion Airworthiness Systems Engineer - Hybrid UAS (Heavy Fuel Engine / Electric Lift)
Position Summary:
The organization seeks a Propulsion Airworthiness Systems Engineer to lead certification planning and technical integration across a hybrid propulsion architecture combining a heavy fuel engine (HFE) with electric lift motors. This is an integration and airworthiness-ownership role: the candidate will not necessarily be the deepest technical expert in either combustion or electric propulsion individually, but will own the combined certification basis, coordinate the specialist engineers on each side, and ensure the propulsion system as a whole - including failure modes where one propulsion path affects the other - is fully characterized, tested, and defensible as certification evidence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the integrated propulsion certification basis, mapping applicable requirements from both combustion engine standards (e.g., 14 CFR Part 33, MIL-DTL-83133 fuel specifications, MIL-STD-810 environmental qualification) and electric/hybrid propulsion frameworks (e.g., relevant Special Conditions for Electric/Hybrid Propulsion Systems, ASTM F3239).
- Coordinate the Heavy Fuel Engine propulsion engineer(s) and Electric Lift Motor propulsion engineer(s), integrating their individual test plans, reliability data, and safety analyses into a single propulsion certification package.
- Lead hazard and failure mode analysis across the hybrid architecture, specifically addressing cross-system dependencies - e.g., whether loss of the heavy fuel engine leaves sufficient electric lift authority for safe recovery/landing, and vice versa.
- Develop and own the propulsion system test plan, including endurance/reliability testing for the HFE, motor/controller/thermal qualification for the electric lift system, and combined-system failure mode testing.
- Interface directly with the certifying authority (FAA, EASA, DoD airworthiness authority, or equivalent) to present the propulsion certification basis, test plans, and evidence packages, and to resolve technical findings.
- Ensure fuel system certification (heavy fuel/diesel-type fuel compatibility, cold-start, altitude performance) and electric propulsion certification (battery/power electronics integration, motor controller reliability, thermal management) are each addressed to the appropriate standard, and that the combined system meets an equivalent level of safety where legacy standards don't directly apply.
- Maintain requirements traceability from certification basis through hazard analysis, test plan, execution, and evidence close-out for the full propulsion system.
- Represent propulsion airworthiness status in program-level design reviews and certification milestone reviews.
Required Qualifications:
- US Citizen
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred for senior-level candidates).
- Demonstrated experience with aircraft or UAS propulsion system airworthiness certification.
- Working knowledge of both combustion engine airworthiness standards (e.g., Part 33 or equivalent) and electric/hybrid propulsion certification frameworks or special conditions.
- Experience developing or integrating system-level test plans spanning multiple propulsion technologies.
- Familiarity with system safety analysis methods (FMEA, FHA, or equivalent) applied to propulsion failure modes, including cross-system/hybrid dependencies.
- Experience interfacing with a certifying authority through review and approval cycles.
- Strong technical writing and cross-discipline coordination skills; ability to produce and defend certification-grade documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience certifying or supporting certification of a hybrid-electric or heavy-fuel-engine UAS or manned aircraft propulsion system.
- Background in either heavy fuel engine qualification (fuel systems, altitude/cold-start performance) or electric propulsion (motor controllers, battery integration, thermal management), with working fluency in the other.
- Experience with ASTM F3239 or equivalent electric propulsion standards, and/or MIL-DTL-83133/MIL-STD-810 for heavy fuel/military UAS programs.
- Prior role leading a propulsion IPT (Integrated Product Team) or equivalent cross-functional propulsion group.
Salary: $125K -$175K
Corsair Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.