Aircraft Certification Engineer Subject Matter Expert SME

AVTECH Global; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel costs covered (flights, hotel, rental car, per diem)

Job summary

AVTECH Global is looking for an experienced Aircraft Certification Engineer — Subject Matter Expert to support the certification of military commercial derivative aircraft. You'll serve as a technical authority on compliance with FAA and military standards.

Your responsibilities include developing certification plans, mentoring junior engineers, and interfacing with military authorities. This is a remote position that requires monthly travel. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in FAA certification and strong technical knowledge.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in aircraft certification, specifically in FAA type certification or STC programs.
• Ability to pass a Tier 1 Investigation for Department of Defense contracts, existing security clearance preferred.
• FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) authorization in applicable disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical SME for aircraft certification, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Develop and execute certification plans and documents for MCDA programs.
• Interface with military airworthiness authorities to coordinate approval activities.

Skills

Aircraft certification knowledge

FAA regulation procedures

Program management

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

Certification documents (ICAs, Compliance Checklists)

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

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.

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.