About this role
Greenfield Engineering, a Saalex Company is seeking a Surveillance Systems Lead Engineer in Patuxent River, MD. The Surveillance Systems Lead Engineer serves as the lead engineer and technical authority for airborne surveillance systems, overseeing integration, certification, and compliance across Naval Aviation platforms. Leads engineering efforts to ensure systems are safe, interoperable, and compliant with evolving airspace requirements while proactively managing certification risks.
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $150k-$180k annually (depending on experience) Work Location: Hybrid remote/in-office. (see onsite requirements below)
**On-site Requirements: This position requires the ability to work onsite at Patuxent River, MD 60%+ of the time.
Essential Functions:
Technical LeadershipServe as branch technical authority for airborne surveillance systemsEstablish engineering processes, standards, and best practicesProvide oversight and technical direction to surveillance engineering teamReview engineering analyses, certification artifacts, and technical strategiesCertification & ComplianceLead certification activities for ADS-B (Out/In), Mode S, and future surveillance technologiesSupport TCAS, ACAS, and collision avoidance system certification effortsConduct Airworthiness Reviews, Flight Clearances, and Airworthiness Certification PlansSupport ANCTR reviews, Airworthiness Technical Assessments, and certification boardsSystems Engineering & IntegrationEvaluate surveillance architectures, interfaces, and system designsAssess interoperability with Air Traffic Management (ATM) systemsReview requirements, design documentation, test procedures, and verification dataSupport lifecycle integration across multiple aircraft platformsTechnical Assessment & Risk ManagementConduct performance assessments and interoperability evaluationsIdentify system risks and support hazard analyses and SSRAsDevelop and implement mitigation strategiesTest & EvaluationSupport laboratory, ground, and flight testing activitiesEvaluate compliance evidence and system performance outcomesEnterprise CoordinationCollaborate with PMAs, CHENGs, TWHs, FAA, industry partners, and international stakeholdersEnsure alignment with regulatory and operational requirements across organizationsOther duties as assigned or requiredRequirements
Required:
Demonstrated experience with airborne surveillance systems, including:ADS-B Out / ADS-B InMode S Transponders (EHS / ELS)TCAS, TCAS II, and ACAS systemsCooperative surveillance and air traffic surveillance architecturesStrong knowledge of certification standards and regulatory frameworks, including:RTCA DO-260, DO-181, DO-185, DO-300, DO-385FAA Advisory Circulars (AC 20-165, AC 20-172)ICAO Annex 10 and international surveillance requirementsNAVAIR airworthiness policies and processesExperience in:Systems engineering and integrationAirworthiness certification and compliance processesRequirements management, verification, and validationRisk management, hazard analysis, and SSRAsTest and evaluation methodologiesProven ability to lead technical teams and provide engineering oversight across multiple programs or platforms
Desired:
Experience supporting Naval Aviation or DoD aviation programsFamiliarity with civil/military surveillance interoperability and IFF systems (Mode A/C, Mode S, military interfaces)Experience with advanced or emerging surveillance technologies (e.g., ACAS Xa/Xo, future CNS/ATM systems)Prior involvement in certification boards, ANCTR processes, or airspace integration initiativesExperience coordinating with FAA, international regulators, and industry stakeholdersStrong background in oceanic and international airspace operations
Education/Years of Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field required and 3+ years direct Surveillance experience, and 10+ years engineering experience.Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant discipline is preferred
Security Clearance:
Active Secret clearance required. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)Short Term & Long Term DisabilityTraining & DevelopmentWellness ResourcesStock Option Plan