AD&D Engineer Principal - Mechanical Systems and Powerplants

Cirrus Aircraft • Duluth, MN • 1d ago

Description

Job Summary

The AD&D Engineer Principal - Mechanical Systems and Powerplants is a visionary and hands-on engineer responsible for driving the early-stage development of new and innovative aircraft, systems, or powerplant development projects within the Cirrus Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) department. This position will focus on the initial phases of aircraft development-ideation, hypothesis generation, stakeholder engagement, technology maturation, and conceptual design.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Lead the development of Mechanical Systems and Powerplants from ideation thru conceptual design and into practical product paths - including but not limited to piston engines, turbine engines, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, environmental control systems, and kinematic systems

Provide guidance to technical professionals, making quick, sound engineering decisions with limited data

Generate and test hypotheses through hands-on prototyping, simulation, and evaluation, with minimal supervision

Create and manage development plans focused on early-stage exploration, requirements capture, and concept validation

Engineer and refine requirements and objectives through stakeholder engagement and iterative experimentation

Translate verbal direction and vision into actionable design objectives and development strategies

Collaborate directly with pilots, mechanics, and experimental technicians, as well as external stakeholders such as Product Development, Certification, and Production teams

Foster a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, learning from both success and failure

Communicate complex ideas effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences

Travel up to 25% may be required

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering (or related STEM discipline)

10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or advanced product development

Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of mechanical systems and powerplants

Previous early product development experience - from a clean sheet to working proto@types

Proven track record of producing results when developing new designs or products

Willingness to take smart risks, accept accountability, and fix mistakes

Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams and manage early development projects

Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate - and to minimize administrative overhead

Experienced in iterative development cycles, with a strong ability to identify non-viable solutions early and reorient technical strategy quickly

Strong hands-on skills in prototyping, simulation, and testing.

Comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment

Proficient in creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, schematics, BOMs

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in English

Preferred qualifications

Master's degree in related discipline.

Previous aircraft development program experience, from early concepts to entry into service

Previous experience leading Integrated Product Teams or similar technical teams

Private pilot certificate or personal aviation experience

Familiarity with system safety and system development standards (e.g., ARP4754A, ARP4761)

Familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill)

Familiarity with Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink)

Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)

Proficient in at least one coding language

Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards)

Experience in cross-disciplinary system integration and trade studies

Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite

Bonus points if your weekends involve flying, plane spotting, or building RC aircraft

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Strategic Thinking & Decision Making

Cross-functional Leadership

Risk & Opportunity Management

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Conflict Management

Resiliency & Adaptability

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Similar Jobs

Electrical Engineer III

Allete • Duluth, MN • 13h ago

IT & Engineering

Electrical Engineer III Location Duluth, MN Application Close Date 4/2/2026 Business Unit Minnesota Power Apply Now ( https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg04/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=ALLETE&cws=43&rid=5731 ) E...

13h ago

Go to Apply

Sr Mechanical Engineer

ENBRIDGE • Superior, WI • 3d ago

IT & Engineering

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Posting End Date:February 26, 2026 Employee Type:Regular-Full time Union/Non: This is a non-union position Are you a highly motivated experienced Mechanical Engineer who works well within a strong team...

3d ago

Go to Apply

Graduate Engineer Public Works

MSA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. • Duluth, MN • 5d ago

IT & Engineering

Job Duties Responsibilities The work you will do Inspect active construction work on municipal water, road/utilities, or wastewater projects Construction staking and site surveys Assist with CAD work and project estimati...

5d ago

Go to Apply

Municipal Wastewater Unit Supervisor - Pollution Control Specialist Principal

State of Minnesota • Duluth, MN • 1w ago

IT & Engineering

Working Title: Municipal Wastewater Unit Supervisor Job Class: Pollution Control Specialist Principal Agency: Pollution Control Agency Job ID : 91571 Location : Various* Telework Eligible : Yes Full/Part Time : Full-Time...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Manufacturing Engineer II

Cirrus Aircraft • Duluth, MN • 1w ago

IT & Engineering

Description Job Summary: Cirrus Aircraft is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer that is reliable, hands-on, curious, hardworking, and detail oriented. We are changing our business model and you will be working on a proj...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Student Workers / Civil Technicians

State of Minnesota • Duluth, MN • 1w ago

IT & Engineering

Working Title: Student Workers / Civil Technicians Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior Agency: Transportation Dept Job ID : 91992 Location : Duluth Telework Eligible : No Full/Part Time : Part-Time Regular...

1w ago

Go to Apply

District Engineer - Engineer Graduate 1 or 2 OR Engineer Senior

State of Minnesota • Duluth, MN • 1w ago

IT & Engineering

Working Title: District Engineer Job Class: Engineer Graduate 1, 2 OR Engineer Senior Agency: Health Department Job ID : 91946 Location : Various* Telework Eligible : Yes, partial Full/Part Time : Full-Time Regular/Tempo...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Advanced Apprentice Relay & Meter Technician

Allete • Duluth, MN • 1w ago

IT & Engineering

Advanced Apprentice Relay & Meter Technician Location Duluth, MN Application Close Date 2/16/2026 Business Unit Minnesota Power Apply Now ( https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg04/ats/careers/v2/applyRequisition?org=ALLETE&a...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Electrical Engineer IV

Spectraforce Technologies Inc. • Duluth, MN • 2w ago

IT & Engineering

Electrical Engineer: Location - Duluth, MN or Houston, TX Duration: 12 Months Primary Focus: To oversee the design for Liquids Pump station facilities for expansion and maintenance capital projects executed by third part...

2w ago

Go to Apply

Mechanical Engineer IV

Spectraforce Technologies Inc. • Duluth, MN • 2w ago

IT & Engineering

Mechanical Engineer IV Duration: 12 Months Location: Duluth, MN or Houston, TX Primary Focus: To oversee the design for Liquids Pump station facilities for expansion and maintenance capital projects executed by third par...

2w ago

Go to Apply

Subscribe to get new jobs sent directly to you
(no charge, cancel anytime)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.