Certification Engineer

Location: Hybrid – Portland, OR (local candidates only) |
Salary: $90K to $115K + Benefits |
Employment: Full-time

Altitude Aerospace delivers engineering and certification solutions for commercial and VIP aircraft programs worldwide. With FAA DER, EASA DOA, and TCCA DAO approvals, we support customers from concept through certification and in-service. Our 150+ person team across the US, Canada, and France works on programs for major OEMs and completion centers globally. We offer 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, paid vacation and PTO, and 8 paid holidays.

Support certification efforts for aircraft modifications, STCs, and design approvals across FAA jurisdictions. You'll develop certification plans and analysis reports, coordinate with regulatory authorities, and manage compliance documentation from project initiation through final approval. This role puts your regulatory expertise to work on real aircraft certification programs with measurable outcomes.

• Develop certification plans and compliance strategies for aircraft modifications, STCs, and design changes.
• Coordinate with FAA authorities, DERs, and regulatory specialists to define compliance paths and certification basis.
• Identify applicable regulations, advisory circulars, and technical standards for each project.
• Lead pre-application meetings, and compliance demonstrations with certification authorities.

• Produce certification documentation including certification plans, issue papers, test plans, flammability and system safety analysis, and various other compliance documents.
• Coordinate engineering substantiation, test planning, and compliance demonstrations across design, stress, and testing teams.
• Review engineering data packages for regulatory compliance and certification readiness.
• Communicate requirements and changes to clients, suppliers, MROs, and FAA representatives.
• Track certification milestones, manage authority interactions, and drive projects to FAA/EASA approval.

Your work enables aircraft modifications to achieve airworthiness approval and enter service. You'll directly influence project success through regulatory strategy and authority coordination.

• Bachelor's
  degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in aircraft certification, regulatory compliance, or engineering in aerospace
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations (FAR Part 21, 23, 25)
• Experience developing certification plans and managing authority interactions
• Understanding of airworthiness standards, compliance methods, and certification processes
• Solid understanding of engineering data packages and ability to interpret structural, mechanical, and electrical design data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for regulatory interactions

• Experience with EASA certification (CS-25, CS-23, or Part 21J DOA) is a plus
• Previous work with STCs, AMOCs, or type certificate projects
• Knowledge of Transport Canada (TCCA) regulations and processes is a plus
• Background working with or as an FAA DER or EASA CVE
• Experience with multiple aircraft types (commercial, VIP, military)
• Project management experience in certification programs
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Broad aircraft certification experience on a variety of different types of program: STC, TC, Interior, Electrical, Mechanical, and Maintenance

• Real Authority: Work directly with FAA and EASA on active certification projects
• Variety: Manage STCs and design approvals across multiple aircraft platforms and modification types
• Growth: Small enough for direct authority interaction, large enough for complex international certifications
• Client Impact: Enable completion centers and OEMs to bring modifications to market
• Regulatory Depth: Work alongside experienced DERs and within established DOA/DAO organizations

• Hybrid schedule:
  Portland, OR with occasional travel (5-10% max to client locations or testing facilities)
• Background check and drug screen may be required
• ITAR eligibility may apply (U.S. person status may be required)

Altitude Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer.