AEROSPACE CERTIFICATION ENGINEER - JOB #1144

Socket.dev; Menominee (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an Aerospace Certification Engineer to lead FAA certification activities for rotorcraft products, including design changes, repairs, and continuous safety initiatives. This role requires ownership of certification plans from planning through approval, interaction with FAA, DERs, and ODA, and applying 14 CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29.

You will mentor staff, prepare compliance documents, and drive timely, defensible certification outcomes for legacy and new designs, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Five or more years of aerospace engineering experience with an emphasis on certification.
• Demonstrated experience with FAA certification processes.
• Experience developing and approving certification documentation.
• Direct experience working with FAA, ODA, or DER organizations.
• Master's degree and prior DER authorization or eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead certification strategy and execution for rotorcraft development, modification, repair, and continued operational safety programs.
• Own assigned certification activities from planning through approval, including compliance planning and coordination with FAA, ODA, DER, and internal stakeholders.
• Apply strong engineering judgment to determine appropriate certification paths, means of compliance, and change classifications.
• Provide clear technical leadership, resolve certification challenges, and guide staff in compliance documentation.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with FAA Certification Branch, ODA unit members, and DERs.
• Review designs for compliance with airworthiness requirements.
• Mentor and guide staff on certification processes and regulatory compliance.
• Support certification programs for legacy and new designs.

Skills

FAA certification regulations

Leadership & mentoring

Regulatory interpretation

Documentation & reports

Analytical problem-solving

Communication with FAA/DER/ODA

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

AEROSPACE CERTIFICATION ENGINEER - JOB #1144

Position: Aerospace Certification Engineer

Reports To: Director of Engineering

Status: Full-Time, On-Site, Salary, Exempt

Pay Range: $95,000 - $115,000 per year

POSITION SUMMARY

The Aerospace Certification Engineer leads and supports FAA certification activities for Enstrom Helicopter products, including rotorcraft design changes, repairs, and continued operational safety initiatives.

This position ensures engineering changes and certification efforts comply with applicable FAA regulations and airworthiness standards while working closely with FAA representatives, Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) resources, and internal engineering teams.

BASIC WORKER FUNCTION

Lead certification strategy and execution for rotorcraft development, modification, repair, and continued operational safety programs.

Own assigned certification activities from planning through approval, including compliance planning, regulatory interpretation, documentation, and coordination with FAA, ODA, DER, and internal stakeholders.

Apply strong engineering judgment and detailed knowledge of FAA certification requirements to determine appropriate certification paths, means of compliance, and major or minor change classifications.

Provide clear technical leadership, resolve complex certification challenges, and guide engineering staff in producing accurate, timely, and defensible compliance documentation.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

• Lead certification efforts for rotorcraft, including design changes, supplemental type certificates (STCs), repairs, and continued operational safety.
• Develop certification plans, compliance checklists, and means of compliance.
• Perform major and minor change determinations.
• Interpret and apply FAA regulations, including 14 CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29, and related advisory circulars.
• Prepare and approve project-specific certification plans.
• Prepare and approve compliance reports.
• Prepare and approve stress and fatigue analysis documentation.
• Prepare and approve test plans and test reports.
• Prepare and approve system safety assessments.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with the FAA Certification Branch, ODA unit members, and DERs.
• Review engineering designs for compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements.
• Mentor and guide engineering staff on certification processes and regulatory compliance.
• Support continued operational safety initiatives and certification strategy development.
• Participate in the development and execution of FAA certification programs for legacy and new designs.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to certification and regulatory compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Five or more years of aerospace engineering experience with an emphasis on certification.
• Demonstrated experience with FAA certification processes.
• Experience developing and approving certification documentation.
• Direct experience working with FAA, ODA, or DER organizations.
• Master's degree and prior DER authorization or eligibility preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of FAA certification regulations and processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply 14 CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29, as applicable.
• Ability to develop certification plans and compliance documentation.
• Strong analytical skills and engineering judgment.
• Ability to work independently with DER-level responsibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills when working with FAA, DER, ODA, and internal engineering teams.
• Leadership and mentoring capability.
• Problem-solving skills for complex certification challenges.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in an office and engineering environment.
• Ability to remain seated and perform computer-based work and document review for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently use standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in meetings and technical discussions.
• Ability to travel occasionally for FAA or certification-related meetings.

This is a full-time, on-site, salaried, exempt position based in Menominee, Michigan. Occasional travel may be required for FAA or certification-related meetings.