Savannah, GA, US
Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer in GAC Savannah
Unique Skills:
Position Summary
The Aircraft Performance team is responsible for the analysis, prediction, validation, certification, and documentation of airplane performance across the full product lifecycle of Gulfstream aircraft, from early product development and certification through entry into service and continued fleet support.
The team develops and maintains performance methods, analyses, and published data used to support aircraft design, flight test, certification, customer operations, and sustained fleet airworthiness. The team is also responsible for the preparation and revision of operational performance manuals, including Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFM), Operations Manuals (OM), and performance databases used by onboard and operational software tools.
In this role, you will serve as a senior technical contributor for performance analyses covering takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, landing, and mission performance. You will lead or support flight test data reduction, correlation, and expansion activities; develop certification strategies and compliance documentation; and work directly with regulatory authorities. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Flight Test, Certification, Avionics, and Customer Support, while providing technical guidance and mentoring to less-experienced engineers.
Candidates with additional experience and/or qualifications may be considered for positions above the TS2 level.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and perform complex aircraft performance analyses and predictions for all phases of flight, including takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, landing, and whole mission performance.
• Apply first-principles engineering methods and computer-based tools to evaluate airplane performance characteristics for new aircraft development, derivatives of current models, and the in-service fleet.
• Analyze, interpret, correlate, and expand flight test data to support development and validation of comprehensive aircraft performance databases.
• Prepare, review, and maintain performance data for Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFM), Operations Manuals (OM), and other operational documentation.
• Develop and review performance databases used by avionics and operational software for onboard and ground-based performance calculations.
• Develop certification plans, compliance checklists, analyses, and compliance reports in support of FAA, EASA, and other international regulatory authorities.
• Review flight test plans and test results for certification projects, and coordinate technical matters with aviation authorities regarding compliance with aircraft performance regulations.
• Develop and review applicant positions for Issue Papers, Certification Review Items (CRIs), and other certification findings or technical issues.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentoring to less-experienced engineers, and support consistent application of engineering methods and best practices.
• Lead or support performance-related investigations and resolution of fleet sustaining issues affecting aircraft in service.
• Respond to internal and external customers regarding published performance data, operational assumptions, certification requirements, and engineering methods.
• Lead or contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of aircraft performance analysis tools, including modernization of legacy programs and creation of new methods and software capabilities.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience in aircraft performance, flight sciences, aerodynamics, propulsion, or a closely related discipline, including work on complex aircraft development or certification programs.
• Thorough understanding of fixed-wing aerodynamics, aircraft propulsion, airplane performance, and flight characteristics.
• Solid understanding of aircraft stability and control, weight and balance, and flight control system effects as they relate to airplane performance.
• Demonstrated ability to apply first-principles engineering methods, exercise sound technical judgment, and independently resolve complex technical problems.
• Experience supporting transport-category airplane certification projects under 14 CFR Part 25 or equivalent requirements.
• Ability to develop and review certification plans, compliance documentation, and technical positions, and to communicate effectively with certification specialists and regulatory authorities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical leadership, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead technical work across cross-functional teams and mentor less-experienced engineers.
Preferred Qualifications
• Current FAA Flight Analyst Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or Authorized Representative (AR) authorization, or qualifications and experience supporting candidacy for DER/AR authorization.
• Advanced experience with engineering analysis tools such as MATLAB and/or Fortran.
• Experience developing, maintaining, or modernizing aircraft performance software and legacy analysis programs.
• Proficiency working in UNIX/Linux environments.
• Experience with flight test planning, data reduction, correlation, and expansion for aircraft performance certification.
• Experience preparing AFM performance data, operations manual content, and avionics or operational performance databases.
• Experience coordinating certification activities with the FAA, EASA, or other international aviation authorities.
• Ability to work effectively and provide technical leadership in a fast-paced, cross-functional product development and fleet support environment.
Education and Experience Requirements
Job Description
- Selects appropriate methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to resolve complex engineering issues .
- Is consulted extensively by associates and others as a recognized authority within the field .
- Anticipates and resolves complex issues in creative and effective ways, developing standards and guides for diverse engineering activities .
- Approach to problem solving balances technical product, cost and schedule .
- Works without appreciable direction; work is reviewed from a long-range perspective for desired results .
- Exercises latitude in determining technical objectives of assignments, and makes decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative .
- Maintains a current knowledge of developments in the field of specialty and/or other related aircraft fields in order to recommend innovations to improve quality and effectiveness of company product .
- Advanced degree in engineering, or related curriculum preferred.
- The level of technical skill and abilities appropriate for this grade will be established by each discipline.
Additional Information
Requisition Number: 236912
Category: Engineering
Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%
Shift: First
Employment Type: Full-time
Posting End Date: 11/06/2026
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.
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Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft
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