Senior Certification Manager

Lighter Than Air; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company in the aviation sector as a Senior Certification Manager, where you will lead the type certification process for innovative rigid airships. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of lighter-than-air aviation, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations while collaborating with top industry experts. With a focus on safety and quality, you will guide a dedicated team through the complexities of certification, making a significant impact on the industry. If you're passionate about aviation and eager to contribute to groundbreaking projects, this is your chance to make history.

Benefits

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life and disability insurance

Parental leave

Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays

401(k) matching

Daily lunch and snacks

Monthly wellness stipend

Yearly education stipend

Fun events and airship rides

Qualifications

• 15+ years in FAA or EASA certification for aircraft.
• Proven track record in leading FAA Type Certification programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain type certification plans aligned with FAA regulations.
• Serve as the primary contact with FAA for certification matters.

Skills

FAA Certification

EASA Certification

Systems Engineering

Safety & Reliability Engineering

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Certification Management Software

Project Management Tools

Job description

LTA Research is seeking a Senior Certification Manager to lead and execute the type certification process for a new rigid airship. This critical role will be responsible for developing certification strategies, ensuring compliance with all FAA regulations, and managing direct engagement with regulatory authorities to achieve FAA Type Certification in accordance with 14 CFR Part 21 and relevant airship-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive type certification plan that aligns with FAA Part 21 and applicable airship regulations, including airworthiness, safety, and operational criteria.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the FAA and other regulatory agencies for all certification matters, including coordination of compliance demonstration, conformity inspections, and documentation.
• Guide the preparation, submission, and negotiation of certification basis, means of compliance, and certification plans with regulatory authorities.
• Oversee the execution of all certification activities, including gap analyses, compliance methods, conformity inspections, flight and ground testing, and risk mitigation to ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
• Build and lead a certification-focused team, scaling resources as needed through the concept, build, test, and certification phases.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, test, and flight operations teams to ensure all technical solutions and processes support certification objectives, without direct ownership of technical execution.
• Analyze organizational readiness for certification and develop roadmaps to address gaps and support LTA’s certification path.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across all certification activities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of direct, hands-on experience in FAA or EASA certification for aircraft (Part 23, 25, 27, or 29), including type certification, design, integration, qualification, and test.
• Proven track record leading successful FAA Type Certification programs, ideally for novel or non-traditional aircraft platforms.
• Deep expertise in FAA regulations, certification strategies, and direct engagement with FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) and Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holders.
• Strong understanding of Systems, Safety & Reliability Engineering principles (e.g., SAE ARP 4754A/4761), and certification processes for software and hardware (DO-178C, DO-254, DO-297).
• Experience building and managing certification teams in startup or high-growth environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with compliance and regulatory functions, including documentation and oversight for multiple certification domains (Part 23, 25, 135, etc.).
• Experience managing DERs and external consultants in structures, propulsion, avionics, and other disciplines.
• Familiarity with legal and contractual aspects of regulatory filings and certification deliverables.

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable

$180,000 - $220,000 a year The base salary range for this role is $180,000 - 220,000,which is determined based on experience, geography, and qualifications. The base salary is one component of the total compensation package, which includes a very competitive annual bonus, 401K Match, and other generous benefits. While we believe competitive compensation is a critical aspect of your decision to join us, we do hope you also spend time considering why our mission and culture are right for you.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of lighter-than-air aviation and help bring a pioneering airship to market. If you're passionate about certification and regulatory strategy in aviation, and ready to make history—let’s talk.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.