Aircraft Certification Engineer — Subject Matter Expert (SME)

AVTECH Global (Aviation Technology Associates, LLC); Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance contribution

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Aviation Technology Associates (AVTECH) is seeking an Aircraft Certification Engineer — Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead airworthiness certification strategies for MCDA programs. You will bridge FAA 14 CFR requirements with MIL-HDBK-516C standards, coordinating with government and prime contractors to ensure compliant, safe, and on-schedule certification.

The role is REMOTE with monthly Dayton, OH travel for 3–4 days per trip.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in aircraft certification, including FAA type certification or STC programs.
• Prior experience with military commercial derivative aircraft programs preferred.
• Ability to pass a Tier 1 Investigation for DoD contracts; security clearance preferred.
• FAA DER authorization in one or more disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical SME for aircraft certification, providing expert guidance on FAA regulations and MIL-HDBK-516C requirements.
• 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 civil and military airworthiness requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of internal certification processes and tools.
• Support structural, avionics, propulsion, interiors and systems compliance substantiation activities.

Skills

FAA regulations

14 CFR 25

MIL-HDBK-516C

Program management

Certification planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering

Job description

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

• 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 Dayton, OH 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.

Benefits

• coverage of up to one-half of employee's medical insurance premium for a base plan
• 401(k) with matching