Principle Certification Engineer

Location:

Orlando, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes.

Principal Certification Engineer

Irvine, CA and or Orlando, FL (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Principal Certification Engineer, whose role is to lead and govern the FAA certification strategy and execution for complex, high-impact programs within the In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) and aircraft communications domains. This role is responsible for ensuring structural compliance, certification integrity, and regulatory alignment across the full product lifecycle, including Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and airframe manufacturer Type Certificate projects.

In this position, you will provide project-level technical leadership, regulatory interpretation, and certification strategy across multiple programs, helping ensure compliance with FAA requirements while supporting design decisions, certification planning, and program risk management. You will serve as a key interface with FAA ODA, airframe manufacturers, and internal stakeholders to define certification frameworks, establish best practices, and maintain consistent compliance standards across programs.

Partnering closely with engineering, program management, certification, and cross-functional teams, you will help drive efficient certification execution, support evolving regulatory requirements, mentor engineers, and strengthen the organization's overall technical certification capability.

Key Areas of Responsibility

* Define and lead certification strategy for structural compliance across multiple complex programs, ensuring alignment with FAA regulations, ODA requirements, STC requirements, and airframe manufacturer standards.

* Serve as the technical authority and primary point of contact for structural certification matters with FAA representatives, ODA Unit Members, airframe manufacturers, external partners, contractors, and internal cross-functional stakeholders.

* Provide technical governance and oversight of structural substantiation, type design data, installation drawings, materials, processes, airworthiness limitations, and analysis activities, including statics, dynamics, damage tolerance, loads, materials, FEA, and CFD.

* Influence product design and engineering decisions by integrating certification requirements early in the development lifecycle, mitigating program risk, optimizing certification outcomes, and supporting resolution of complex certification challenges, including corrective action plans, AMOCs, and regulatory engagement.

* Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary certification and test efforts, including certification planning, structural test strategies, test plans, execution oversight, deviation resolution, compliance validation, requirements flow-down, and delivery performance aligned to program objectives.

* Establish and maintain certification processes, standards, and best practices while supporting audits, regulatory reviews, continued airworthiness activities, in-service issue resolution, repair scheme approvals, ICA development, and mentoring engineering talent to elevate organizational capability.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering required, advanced degree preferred.

* 10+ years of progressive experience in aircraft structures engineering and FAA certification, including demonstrated experience leading certification strategy and…