Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer reports to the Manager of Engineering and plays a key role in developing and implementing in-service modifications, repairs and other solutions aimed at enhancing aircraft reliability and achieving operational excellence. Their job involves ensuring aircraft safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulations. They work closely with other engineers, technicians, and specialists to design and develop new aircraft and improve existing ones.

To be successful in the role, you must be able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead major programs, and concurrently drive technical execution across multiple projects and stakeholder groups. This role will also support departmental goals including crewmember engagement initiatives to drive positive change and influence.

Essential Responsibilities

•  Work closely with the principal engineers and managers in shaping the team competencies and technical knowledge; be a coach and mentor for developing associate engineers to strive for technical excellence
•  Apply analytical and experience skills to develop substantiation and regulatory compliance plans for in-house designs, and embody Major and Minor modifications and/or repairs
•  Collaborate with predictive digital technology teams to help develop diagnostics and monitoring strategies that would improve the overall operational reliability
•  Analyze and record component failures with a view to improving airworthiness, time on wing, and reducing operational costs· Organize engineering projects by identifying short-term and long-range issues; preparing timetables, cost estimates, and required resources
•  Maintain close liaison with other departments and industry to assure that engineering and maintenance practices comply with, or surpass, policies and regulations of applicable government agencies
•  Complete feasibility studies by studying project concepts, objectives, priorities, and requirements; conducting aircraft surveys; identifying and establishing technical solutions; preparing technical documents and submittals
•  Develop standard repairs and troubleshooting instructions to enhance the experience of repetitive and nonconventional recurring problems with standardized proven instructions
•  Create, review and approve technical documentation for aircraft systems and structures
•  Review and disseminate service bulletins, service letter, operator’s letters and other data of this type
•  Determine the proper course of action and initiates the applicable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engineering documentation
•  Enter Engineering Authorizations (EA) data into the electronic maintenance tracking program
•  Assist with identification of Intervals and Methods of Airworthiness Directive Compliance
•  Look for and act on opportunities to increase airline profit, increase block hours, decrease the cost per block hour (CASM) and increase aircraft reliability
•  Technical Writing – Ability to understand and generate clear and efficient work instructions
•  Monitor and maintain aircraft systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards
•  Provide technical support and troubleshooting for aircraft systems requirements
•  Direct and control various special projects as assigned by the Manager of Engineering
•  Other duties as assigned

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other technical discipline with at least six (6) years of experience in Aviation sector. Bachelor’s degree requirement may be substituted with an additional three (3) years of direct experience providing aircraft engineering and technical support in an airline environment
• Strong knowledge in the areas of aircraft structures, avionics, systems, or powerplant as applicable
• Experience with project execution, teamwork experience, and ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team
• Experience writing successful project proposals
• Reliability analysis skills to identify root cause of systems problems
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, physics, and relevant design standards, along with the ability to meet specific licensing and certification requirements depending on the area of specialization within aircraft engineering
• Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) governing aircraft certification and maintenance
• Ability to interpret sophisticated and technical engineering and OEM documents
• Computer literate in Microsoft software such as Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Project
• Possess reliability analysis skills to identify root cause of systems problems
• Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills
• Available to work a flexible work schedule required including shift, weekend, and holidays
• Able to read, write, and speak English fluently
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge
• Available for overnight travel (20%)
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
• Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

•  Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
•  Valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant Certificate
•  Airbus experience
•  Proficient with data analysis tools such as Python, Excel, and SQL
•  Proficient with Microsoft Office power apps
•  Possess reliability analysis skills to identify root cause of systems problems
•  Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills
•  Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as strong analytical abilities
•  Able to communicate technical issues in an assertive and tactful manner
•  Project management skills
•  Able to manage and coordinate several tasks and projects simultaneously

Crewmember Expectations:

•  Regular attendance and punctuality
•  Potential need to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short-notice
•  Able to maintain a professional appearance
•  When working or traveling on JetBlue flights, and if time permits, all capable crewmembers are asked to assist with light cleaning of the aircraft
•  Must be an appropriate organizational fit for the JetBlue culture, that is, exhibit the JetBlue values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion and Fun
•  Promote JetBlue’s #1 value of safety as a Safety Ambassador, supporting JetBlue’s Safety Management System (SMS) components, Safety Policy, and behavioral standards
•  Identify safety and/or security concerns, issues, incidents or hazards that should be reported and report them whenever possible and by any means necessary including JetBlue’s confidential reporting systems (Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) or Safety Action Report (SAR))
•  Responsible for adhering to all applicable laws, regulations (FAA, OSHA, DOT, etc.) and Company policies, procedures and risk controls
•  Uphold JetBlue’s safety performance metric goals and understand how they relate to their duties and responsibilities
•  The use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position.

Equipment:

•  Computer and other office equipment
•  Ear plugs and safety goggles for on-site support

Work Environment:

• Traditional office environment
• Hangar environment
• Irregular work shifts, on-call, and multiple work locations
• Work may be outdoors with seasonal weather
• Bids work schedule by seniority (days, swings, or midnight shift, holidays)
• Travel may be required
• Ability to work in elevated areas

Physical Effort:

• Light physical effort required by handling objects up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. (Light)

Compensation:

• The base pay range for this position is between $100,000 and $130,000 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue’s total compensation package, which may also include access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crewmember stock purchase plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more.