Principal FAA Certification Engineer - Aerospace

Thales; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Well-being program

Job summary

Thales in Orlando, FL is seeking a Principal Certification Engineer to lead FAA certification strategy and execution for IFEC and aircraft communications programs. You will manage STC projects, regulatory alignment, and certification plans across the full product lifecycle, interfacing with FAA ODA, airframe manufacturers, and external partners.

You will guide design decisions, prepare compliance documentation, and supervise certification activities to ensure timely, compliant deliveries while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of FAA certification experience leading strategy and execution for complex STC or Type Certificate programs.
• Experience managing STC projects, compliance documentation, drawings of compliance, and supportive STC packages in aerospace.
• Mechanical engineering background with knowledge of structural substantiation methods including FEA and CFD.
• Extensive knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 21, 25, 26), ODA processes and certification expectations.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional stakeholders and regulatory authorities on complex certification matters.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead certification strategy across multiple complex programs, ensuring alignment with FAA regulations, ODA requirements, STC requirements, and airframe manufacturer standards.
• Serve as the primary certification point of contact for STC projects with FAA representatives, ODA Unit Members, airframe manufacturers, and external partners.
• Lead and manage STC project execution, including planning, compliance documentation, drawings of compliance, and delivery of STC package milestones.
• Provide governance and review of design data, installation drawings, materials, and substantiation supplied by internal teams or external consultants.
• Influence product design by integrating certification requirements early in development to optimize outcomes and mitigate risk.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary certification and test efforts, including test plans, execution oversight, and approval of deviations and regulatory engagement.
• Oversee external partners and consultants to ensure requirements flow-down and timely delivery.
• Establish and maintain certification processes, standards, and audits across programs.

Skills

FAA certification

Cross-functional coordination

Regulatory interpretation

Analytical thinking

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Thales in Orlando, FL is seeking a Principal Certification Engineer to lead FAA certification strategy and execution for IFEC and aircraft communications programs. You will manage STC projects, regulatory alignment, and certification plans across the full product lifecycle, interfacing with FAA ODA, airframe manufacturers, and external partners.

You will guide design decisions, prepare compliance documentation, and supervise certification activities to ensure timely, compliant deliveries while