Principal Certification Engineer

Description

The company builds the systems that keep flights running: in-flight entertainment and connectivity, aircraft avionics, and flight simulators used to train pilots for fighter jets, transport aircraft and search and rescue helicopters.

This is a principal-level role in Orlando, FL, with a hybrid work model, leading FAA certification strategy and execution for complex programs in in-flight entertainment and connectivity and aircraft communications.

You will own certification across the full product lifecycle, covering Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) projects and airframe manufacturer Type Certificate projects.

You will work as a key contact for the FAA, the ODA, airframe manufacturers, external partners and structural consultants, and you will help set certification frameworks and keep standards consistent across programs.

You will work with engineering, program management, certification, ODA resources and other cross-functional teams to speed up certification, manage STC deliverables and strengthen the organization's certification capability.

Responsibilities

• Set certification strategy across several complex programs so it complies with FAA rules, ODA requirements, STC requirements and airframe manufacturer standards.
• Act as the main certification contact for STC projects, dealing with FAA representatives, ODA Unit Members, airframe manufacturers, partners, contractors, structural consultants and internal teams.
• Run STC projects end to end: certification planning, compliance documentation, drawings of compliance, STC package development, requirements flow-down, scheduling and hitting certification milestones.
• Review and govern type design data, installation drawings, materials, processes, airworthiness limitations, compliance data and structural substantiation from internal teams or outside consultants.
• Bring certification requirements into design early, reduce program risk and resolve hard certification problems, including corrective action plans, AMOCs and regulator engagement.
• Lead multidisciplinary certification and test work: test strategies, test plans, oversight of test execution, deviation resolution and compliance validation across engineering, program management, ODA resources and partners.
• Oversee external partners and structural consultants, making sure requirements flow down to them, technical work is coordinated, compliance is shown, documents are high quality and deliveries meet program goals.
• Build and maintain certification processes, standards and best practices, and support audits, regulatory reviews, continued airworthiness work, in-service issues, repair scheme approvals, ICA development and mentoring of engineers.

Requirements

• Engineering bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive FAA certification experience, including leading certification strategy and execution for complex STC or Type Certificate programs.
• Experience managing STC projects, certification deliverables, compliance documentation, drawings of compliance and STC packages in an aerospace or aircraft modification setting.
• Mechanical engineering background with an understanding of structural substantiation: statics, dynamics, damage tolerance, loads, materials, finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Extensive knowledge of FAA regulations, including Title 14 CFR Parts 21, 25 and 26, plus ODA processes and certification compliance expectations.
• Proven ability to coordinate stakeholders, regulators, airframe manufacturers, partners and structural consultants on complex technical and certification matters.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex regulatory and technical requirements into clear engineering direction.
• Experience as the primary certification focal, technical lead or key interface with the FAA, ODA, airframe manufacturers, DERs, structural consultants or regulators.
• Experience managing several concurrent STC projects, Type Certificate programs, complex certification projects or enterprise-level certification initiatives.
• Experience developing, reviewing or coordinating drawings of compliance, certification plans, compliance checklists, test plans, compliance reports, ICA documentation and STC package deliverables.
• Advanced knowledge of RTCA DO-160 and related environmental qualification standards.
• Familiarity with international certification environments, including EASA or other aviation authorities.
• Experience driving process improvement, standardization, audit readiness or best-practice work in certification or engineering organizations.
• You must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position cannot receive visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Conditions

Hybrid work in Orlando, FL.

Total target compensation for this role is $111,486.00 to $187,601.25 USD per year, covering base salary and variable compensation target.

The range reflects typical pay for similar jobs in the industry and region. Final pay depends on career history, skills, performance, the company's salary budget, customer program needs and internal equity. Additional compensation may be offered in circumstances not tied to protected status under local, state or federal law.

Internal candidates should raise an HR request through MyThales for more information.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans status. Accommodation requests can be sent to the company's site.

Benefits

• Full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents can choose elective health, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, voluntary life and AD&D, whole group life with LTC, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal, identity theft and pet insurance.
• Retirement savings plan available after 30 days of employment, with a company contribution, a match and no vesting period.
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off.
• Company-provided life insurance, AD&D, disability coverage, employee assistance plan and well-being program.