Principal Certification Engineer; Aircraft Systems

Senior / Principal Certification Engineer – Aircraft System – Part 23

Location:

California. Salary: $160,000 – $260,000 + benefits.

Our pioneering aerospace company is developing next‑generation hybrid‑electric aircraft and seeks an experienced certification engineer to lead FAA Part 23 and Part 33 certification activities. This is an ownership role that interfaces directly with engineering teams and regulatory authorities in a fast‑moving, lean environment.

You will lead technical certification activities across FAA Part 23 and Part 33 programs, acting as the key interface between our engineering teams and regulatory authorities.

• 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

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Strong experience supporting FAA Part 23 certification programs
• 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 program experience
• STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) program experience
• Experience with aircraft modification or retrofit programs
• Familiarity with ARP‑4754 and ARP‑4761
• Experience working on novel or electrified propulsion systems
• Previous experience within small aircraft OEMs, advanced aviation, or certification‑focused engineering organizations

• 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 organization
• 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.