Director, Civil Certification & FAA Liaison

Supernal; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 259,000 - 317,000; Full time

Job summary

Supernal is seeking a seasoned Civil Certification leader to manage the Type Certification process with FAA and other authorities. You will plan, coordinate, and execute certification activities across the project lifecycle, interfacing with leadership, engineering, quality, and policy teams.

The role requires 15+ years in aircraft certification, strong communication, and the ability to drive an end-to-end certification program from concept to post-certification.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in aircraft certification, airworthiness, or regulatory compliance.
• Led at least one end-to-end TC/ATC/STC certification program.
• Experience with 14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29 certification programs.
• Familiarity with FAA Orders (8110 series) and ARP4754/ARP4761.
• Experience with clean-sheet design FAA Type Certification projects.
• Strong communication, planning, and execution skills.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks for US and foreign authorities.
• Detail-oriented with strong planning and execution skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and strategy for Certification and define program objectives.
• Coordinate with Regulatory Authorities as primary contact through lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, directives, and guidance.
• Identify resources and staffing to build the Civil Certification team.
• Manage performance of Civil Certification Projects.
• Generate and maintain PSCP, TC Applications, checklists, and related artifacts.
• Translate FAA regulations into clear, verifiable design requirements.
• Develop conformity processes and data-retention infrastructure.
• Identify and manage issues, risks, and special conditions with regulators.
• Coordinate DER resources to support certification needs.
• Oversee certification team to meet company goals.
• Review certification plans with stakeholders and regulators.
• Participate in design and safety reviews and readiness reviews.
• Develop training materials to increase understanding of civil certification.
• Drive participation in standards groups and industry bodies.
• Travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Listening

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Time management

Self-motivation

Stakeholder management

PLM familiarity

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Enovia

3DX

Job description

Supernal is seeking a seasoned Civil Certification leader to manage the Type Certification process with FAA and other authorities. You will plan, coordinate, and execute certification activities across the project lifecycle, interfacing with leadership, engineering, quality, and policy teams.

The role requires 15+ years in aircraft certification, strong communication, and the ability to drive an end-to-end certification program from concept to post-certification.