Certification Engineer - Initial Airworthiness

The role of Certification Engineer - Initial Airworthiness is to ensure that aerospace products comply with applicable airworthiness standards and regulatory requirements throughout the development and certification phases. The post holder is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing certification activities related to initial airworthiness, supporting the successful introduction of aircraft or components into service. This includes liaising with certification authorities, reviewing technical documentation, and managing compliance evidence.

Job Duties

• Develop and implement certification plans and strategies for initial airworthiness in accordance with relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Analyse and interpret airworthiness standards and regulations to ensure full compliance.
• Review engineering designs, test plans, and reports to verify conformity with certification requirements.
• Coordinate with design, test, quality, and production teams to resolve certification issues and facilitate approvals.
• Prepare and present technical reports and certification documentation for submission to regulatory authorities.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and certification reviews conducted by regulatory bodies.
• Monitor and track certification progress, identifying risks and implementing mitigation measures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in airworthiness regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to certification processes and compliance management.

Required Qualifications

• Recognised degree or higher qualification in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in aerospace certification, specifically initial airworthiness.
• Comprehensive understanding of relevant airworthiness regulations, such as EASA CS, UK CAA CAP standards, or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in certification planning, compliance assessment, and documentation preparation.
• Strong technical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, suitable for regulatory correspondence and technical reporting.
• Proficiency in managing multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines within a project environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Further professional training or certification in airworthiness or certification engineering is advantageous.

Experience

• At least five years’ experience in aerospace certification engineering, with a focus on initial airworthiness.
• Hands-on experience working with regulatory authorities and navigating the certification process for aircraft or aerospace components.
• Proven track record of delivering certification projects on time and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of airworthiness certification processes and regulatory requirements within the aerospace industry.
• Familiarity with design assurance levels, safety assessments, and compliance demonstration methods.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical standards and regulatory guidance.
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal teams and external regulatory bodies.
• Competent use of standard office software and specialised engineering tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Membership of a recognised professional engineering institution.
• Experience with military or civil aircraft certification processes.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices.
• Previous involvement in product certification programmes from concept phase through to entry into service.

Working Conditions

• Full-time contract role, typically based within an aerospace engineering environment.
• Work predominantly office-based with occasional visits to manufacturing or test facilities as required.
• Standard working hours apply, with possible flexibility to meet project deadlines.
• Occasional travel may be necessary to liaise with regulatory authorities or attend project meetings.