Sr. Certification / Airworthiness Engineer

Job Title: Senior Certification / Airworthiness Engineer

***Onsite role in Minnesota***

Direct hire / permanent position

Position Summary: The Senior Certification Engineer serves as the primary liaison with the FAA and other certifying authorities, playing a pivotal role in matters related to aircraft type certification and equipment installation validation. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of 14 CFR Part 23 requirements, compliance mechanisms, and certification protocols, along with a global perspective encompassing international regulations and validation procedures. The Senior Certification Engineer orchestrates all certification activities, ensuring a smooth progression from project initiation to the attainment of type certification approval.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Coordination of Certification and Validation Activities:

   • Act as the focal point for various certification and validation initiatives.
   • Collaborate internally with project management, engineering specialists, quality assurance, and international sales representatives.
   • Foster external partnerships with suppliers, industry partners, FAA, and international Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA).

2. Leadership in Certification and Validation Meetings:

   • Take the lead in certification and validation meetings, including type board sessions and technical reviews.
   • Ensure meticulous preparation and active participation in these critical gatherings.

3. Development of Certification Documentation:

   • Coordinate the creation of essential documents such as Certification Plans, Compliance Checklists, Test Plans, Test Reports, Analysis Reports, and Drawing Lists.
   • Maintain responsibility for safeguarding all documentation related to aircraft and equipment certification and validation.

4. Regulatory Submissions and Approvals:

   • Manage the timely submission of all necessary documents to the FAA and international CAA for certification and validation.
   • Track and log approvals for submitted data.

5. Certification Reporting:

   • Prepare comprehensive Certification Reports to archive project knowledge upon project completion.

6. Participation in Design and Project Reviews:

   • Engage in internal design and project reviews, actively contributing to discussions on certification-related matters.

7. Regulatory Guidance and Training:

   • Provide guidance, training, and leadership to engineering and quality personnel regarding regulatory compliance.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, engineering technology, or engineering management.
• Preferred minimum of 6 years of experience in regulatory compliance.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in an aircraft or automotive engineering design environment.
• Proven expertise in personnel and project planning, scheduling, and coordination.

Demonstrated Proficiencies/Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.
• In-depth knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21 and 23 regulations and associated policies.
• Competence in software applications, including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required to fulfill job responsibilities.