Senior Aircraft Certification Specialist

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training opportunities

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks a Senior Aircraft Certification Specialist to lead the certification process for new designs and modifications, ensuring airworthiness compliance under SACAA, EASA, and FAA. You will collaborate with engineering and testing teams to prepare documentation and liaise with authorities.

The role requires deep regulatory knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion, with on-site presence in Upington.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• 9+ years' experience in aircraft certification or regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft certification processes (TC/STC).
• Strong knowledge of SACAA, EASA, and FAA regulations.
• Experience preparing and submitting certification documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead certification process for new designs and modifications.
• Interpret and apply SACAA/EASA/FAA regulations to projects.
• Prepare comprehensive certification documentation (TC, STC, test reports).
• Coordinate with aviation authorities throughout the process.
• Liaise with engineering, design, manufacturing, and testing teams.
• Conduct conformity inspections and audits to verify certification standards.
• Analyze data and test results to demonstrate compliance.
• Identify and address certification risks proactively.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and certification standards.
• Provide guidance on certification matters to project teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent aviation manufacturer, is seeking a meticulous and experienced Senior Aircraft Certification Specialist to join their regulatory compliance team. This vital role is based in Upington, Northern Cape , a region with significant aviation activity. The Senior Aircraft Certification Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all aircraft and associated systems meet stringent regulatory requirements for airworthiness and certification. You will work closely with engineering, design, and testing teams to prepare documentation, liaise with aviation authorities, and manage the certification process from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of aviation regulations, a strong technical background, and exceptional attention to detail. This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to aviation safety and compliance within a dynamic and growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the aircraft certification process for new designs and modifications.
• Interpret and apply national and international aviation regulations (e.g., SACAA, EASA, FAA) to aircraft projects.
• Prepare comprehensive certification documentation, including type certification applications, test reports, and compliance checklists.
• Coordinate with aviation authorities (e.g., SACAA) throughout the certification process.
• Liaise with engineering, design, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure compliance requirements are met.
• Conduct conformity inspections and audits to verify adherence to certification standards.
• Analyze technical data and test results to demonstrate compliance.
• Identify and address potential certification challenges and risks proactively.
• Stay updated on changes in aviation regulations and certification standards.
• Provide expert guidance on certification matters to project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 9 years of experience in aircraft certification, airworthiness, or a related regulatory compliance role.
• In-depth knowledge of aircraft certification processes and standards (e.g., Type Certification, Supplemental Type Certification).
• Thorough understanding of aviation regulations from bodies like the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), EASA, and FAA.
• Experience in preparing and submitting certification documentation.
• Familiarity with aircraft systems, structures, propulsion, and avionics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects.
• This role requires the specialist to be present at our Upington, Northern Cape office.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive medical aid, a substantial retirement fund, and extensive opportunities for professional development and specialized training. This role offers the significant reward of directly contributing to the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. Employees enjoy a professional and collaborative work environment, performance incentives, and generous paid time off. Join our team and play a crucial role in aviation certification in Upington, Northern Cape .