Aircraft Certification Engineer — Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Aviation Technology Associates (AVTECH) is looking for an Aircraft Certification Engineer — Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Position Purpose:

AVTECH Global is seeking an experienced Aircraft Certification Engineer — Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the airworthiness certification of a military commercial derivative aircraft (MCDA). In this role, you will serve as a technical authority on certification strategies, bridging FAA Title 14 CFR regulatory requirements with MIL-HDBK-516C military airworthiness standards. You will work collaboratively with government and prime contractor stakeholders to ensure compliant, safe, and on-schedule aircraft certification.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the technical SME for aircraft certification, providing expert guidance on compliance with FAA regulations and MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness requirements.
  
Perform other duties as assigned.
• Develop and execute certification basis documents, issue papers, and certification plans for MCDA programs.
  
• Interface with military airworthiness authorities and DER/DAR representatives to coordinate approval activities.
  
• Identify and resolve certification gaps arising from the interaction of civil and military airworthiness requirements
  
• Support structural, avionics, propulsion, interiors and systems compliance substantiation activities, including review of test plans and reports.
  
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of internal certification processes, tools, and best practices.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

As an ideal candidate to join the AVTECH team, you will meet the following:

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  
• 15+ years of experience in aircraft certification, with direct involvement in FAA type certification or supplemental type certificate (STC) programs.
• Prior experience with military commercial derivative aircraft programs preferred.
• Ability to pass a Tier 1 (minimum) Investigation for work on Department of Defense contracts. Existing security clearance is preferred.
• FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) authorization in one or more disciplines.

Required Unique Skills:

• Must have a thorough working knowledge of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR - especially Chapter I, Part 25), as it pertains to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation procedures and the STC process
• Requires experience in program management, effective communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to coordinate certification programs for alterations and modifications.
• Should have experience creating certification documents such as ICAs, Ground/Flight Test Plans, Compliance Checklists, Project Specific Certification Plans, etc.

Location / Travel:

This is a REMOTE position with no relocation requirement. Travel to various locations will be required once per month (minimum) for 3-4 days at a time. All travel costs are covered (including, flights, hotel, rental car, GSA per diem, etc.). Additionally, the travel locations/frequency are subject to change with an advanced notice.