What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Certification Engineer (Aircraft Systems) position at iO Associates?
đź“Ť California
đź’° $160,000 - $260,000 benefits
A pioneering aerospace company developing next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft is looking to hire a Senior / Principal Engineer, Aircraft Systems Certification, to support a major growth phase following significant recent investment.
This is an opportunity to join a highly innovative team helping to shape the future of sustainable aviation, working directly on FAA certification activities for advanced aircraft propulsion and Part 23 certification programmes.
The business is transitioning from advanced R&D into full commercialisation and certification, and is seeking an experienced certification engineer who can take ownership of technical compliance activities within a lean, fast-moving engineering environment.
You will lead technical certification activities across FAA Part 23 and Part 33 programmes, acting as a key interface between engineering teams and regulatory authorities.
This is a high-ownership role where you will:
- Lead technical responses and submissions to the FAA
- Develop certification documentation including requirements, means of compliance, and verification/validation reports
- Manage certification requirements flow-down across engineering teams
- Support negotiation of certification requirements and compliance strategies
- Work closely with systems, propulsion, and development engineering teams
- Support novel technology certification activities related to hybrid-electric propulsion systems
- Contribute to the overall FAA certification strategy alongside senior certification leadership
Required Experience
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Strong experience supporting FAA Part 23 certification programmes
- Deep understanding of G-1 certification basis and G-2 means/methods of compliance
- Experience developing compliance matrices across Subparts B-G
- Strong aircraft requirements management experience
- Ability to operate independently within a fast-paced engineering environment
- Full end-to-end Part 23 certification programme experience
- STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) programme experience
- Experience with aircraft modification or retrofit programmes
- Familiarity with ARP4754 and ARP4761
- Experience working on novel or electrified propulsion systems
- Previous experience within small aircraft OEMs, advanced aviation, or certification-focused engineering organisations
- Work on genuinely cutting-edge hybrid-electric aviation technology
- Join a company entering a major commercial growth phase
- High visibility and ownership within a lean engineering organisation
- Opportunity to help shape the certification strategy of next-generation aircraft systems
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture with strong technical leadership
The company offers flexible working arrangements, competitive compensation, and relocation support where required.
To learn more or apply confidentially, please contact Maisie Hockings
Salary : $190,000 - $260,000