Aerospace Certification Engineer
Seeking an experienced and motivated Certification Engineer III to join our team. This pivotal role will serve as a key player within the company, driving our aircraft certification efforts and collaborating with regulatory authorities, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of aircraft regulatory certification processes, a proven track record of engagement with the FAA, and extensive familiarity with relevant regulations and advisory material. This individual will be instrumental in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of airworthiness and compliance. This role requires the significant exercise of independent discretion and judgment in matters of significance. Responsibilities Lead and manage all aspects of aircraft product certification projects, from initial planning through final approval, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets. Serve as the primary technical liaison and point of contact for key projects with the FAA, fostering strong working relationships and representing the company's interests effectively. Develop certification strategies tailored to individual projects balancing compliance risk with timelines and budgets, while guiding diverse teams through developing the Certification Basis, Change Product Rule evaluation, Issue Papers, Equivalent Levels of Safety and Exemptions. Independently prepare, review, and submit certification plans, compliance demonstration data, and other documentation to regulatory authorities. Interpret aviation product (e.g., 14 CFR Part 23, 25, 27, 29, 33) and operations regulations (e.g. 14 CFR Part 91, 119, 121, 125, 135) and advisory material (e.g. ACs, policies), providing expert guidance to engineering teams on compliance strategies. Establish and manage relationships with company and consultant Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) and international equivalents, as necessary. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to cross-functional project teams. Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and industry best practices, proactively identifying potential impacts and developing strategies to implement new processes. Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, quality, and flight test teams to integrate certification requirements throughout the product lifecycle. Support foreign validation efforts and engage with international aviation and military certification authorities as required. Assist business development teams in scoping certification aspects of new programs or customer proposals. Qualifications Education Four (4) year degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field. Experience Minimum of 5 years of experience in aircraft certification, with a significant portion focused on FAA certification projects including supplemental type certificate projects. Demonstrated ability to independently engage with the FAA and navigate complex regulatory processes. Working knowledge of FAA Order 8110.4, 8110.37, and FAA project sequencing documentation. Extensive knowledge of aircraft regulatory frameworks, including 14 CFR regulations and associated advisory material. Familiarity with aircraft systems design, testing, and certification. Proven experience in developing certification plans and compliance demonstration. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and regulatory information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong leadership qualities with a track record of guiding projects and mentoring colleagues. Experience with requirements software tools (e.g., compliance tracking systems or Jama). Comfortable and effective working in Microsoft Office, able to quickly learn new software and systems. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with foreign validation processes (e.g., EASA, Transport Canada, ANAC, CAAC). Experience with specific aircraft systems or types relevant to our products (e.g., eVTOL, fixed-wing, rotorcraft, avionics, propulsion systems). Designated Engineering Representative (DER) authorization or experience working closely with DERs.
