Principal Airworthiness and Certification Engineer

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions; Cranfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Cranfield seeks an experienced Airworthiness and Certification Engineer. You will lead certification projects, manage documentation for aircraft modifications, and liaise with regulatory authorities. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in airworthiness engineering and must have a strong commitment to quality and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 10+ years as an Airworthiness and Certification Engineer.
• Experience with UK CAA, EASA Part 21, or FAA.
• Must hold or be qualified for Compliance Verification Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Produce or check certification documentation for modifications.
• Lead certification programmes and ensure project delivery.
• Liaise with customers and airworthiness authorities.

Skills

Ability to handle complex technical language

Reading mechanical and electrical engineering drawings

Good IT skills - particularly MS Office

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to manage a small team

Education

HNC or higher in Engineering

Job description

Working as part of the UK CAA and MAA approved Design Organisation, this role supports the Office of Airworthiness in compilation and review of design office airworthiness and certification documents, leading to the certification of modifications and repairs in accordance with UK CAA or MAA requirements.

TECHNICAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce or check certification documentation in accordance with company procedures, supporting the approval of modifications and repairs to civil and military aircraft. This will include documents such as modification classification forms and compliance matrices against the applicable certification basis, special conditions, and requirements for each project.
• Production or check of technical publications and supplements to support continued airworthiness (ICA), where required.
• Lead work packages for defined certification programmes, including certification planning and compliance demonstrations, with responsibility for delivery to time, quality, and budget.
• Interact effectively with all members of the design, airworthiness, and project management teams.
• Working and supervising other team members as appropriate to ensure overall project delivery.
• To act as Lead Airworthiness Engineer on selected projects as required, taking responsibility for development of customer relationship, and supporting the acquisition of follow-on business.
• Liaise with customers and with Airworthiness Authorities such as CAA, MAA, EASA, FAA, etc. as required.
• Ensure that all work is completed in accordance with company approved procedures.
• Ensure that all work is completed in accordance with the job specification.
• Ensure that all work is performed in a timely manner to allow certification to be completed to schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Qualification of a HNC or higher degree in a suitable engineering discipline, for example:

• Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Aerospace Vehicle Design

• Practical working experience in an allied discipline (e.g. Avionics, Electrical, Systems or Mechanical Engineering) supplemented by evidence of structured airworthiness and certification engineering training and development.

• Experience (10+ years) of working as an Airworthiness and Certification Engineer in combination of the following:

• UK CAA, EASA Part 21 Subpart J Design Organisation or FAA equivalent

• UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Approved Design Organisation (DAOS)

• UK Ministry of Defence Project Team

• An engineering consultancy providing specialist airworthiness and certification engineering services to the above organizations

SKILLS AND ABILITY EXPECTATIONS

• Ability to handle and reproduce complex technical language in plain, concise, and correct English.
• Ability to read and understand both mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.
• Ability to follow procedures without supervision.
• Good IT skills – particularly MS Office tools.
• Ability to follow a clear, logical process methodically.
• Keen attention to detail for the tasks required, particularly regarding the accuracy of documentation produced.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be an effective team player.
• Strong commitment to the delivery of excellent quality outputs and delivery of customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to manage and give technical direction to a small team (1-2 people) of Certification and Airworthiness Engineers.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

• Experienced airworthiness engineer, for the initial airworthiness of new aircraft designs or aircraft modifications and repairs, with 10+ years of relevant experience.

• Experienced in initial airworthiness principles and procedures for new aircraft designs and aircraft modifications and repairs, in accordance with CAA, EASA, or EMAR Part 21 Subpart J.

• Experienced in the whole lifecycle of aircraft level certification programmes from initial application to final approval (TC/STC).

• Experienced in continued airworthiness in accordance with CS2x.1529.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE HELD

• Approved as Compliance Verification Engineer (or be sufficiently qualified, trained and experienced to become so immediately).

• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status (or be sufficiently qualified, trained and experienced to become so immediately).