Certification Support Engineer

Job Title: Certification Support Engineer

Location: Huntington Beach, CA and / or Detroit, MI; also, Remote option, but must be open to travel.

Role Summary

The Certification Engineer develops and executes certification programs to ensure compliance with regulatory (FAA / EASA) and OEM requirements for aircraft seating systems. Responsibilities include creating test plans and reports, coordination with engineering team, overseeing test article build, identifying certification issues, and coordination with regulatory bodies. The role requires strong technical knowledge on testing requirements to validate seating systems in compliance with regulatory requirements. knowledge of FAA, TSO & non-TSO processes, and the ability to act as a subject matter expert in testing, installation, and design compliance.

Dimension of Function

Responsible for the development of test plans and test reports, maintaining compliance records, and developing internal best practices. Supports prototype design reviews, test builds, and regulatory interfaces. Ensures timely completion of certification tasks while addressing risks, industry updates, and adherence to safety, quality, and confidentiality standards.

Contacts

Interfaces with engineering and testing teams and coordination with regulatory authorities. Represents the company in industry meetings, communicates certification findings, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure timely project delivery and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop certification test plans and reports ensuring compliance with regulatory (FAA / EASA) and OEM requirements for aerospace seating systems.
• Communicate with project team members to define scope of work, schedule, design details, quotes, risks, and other certification-related factors.
• Oversee and assist with test article build and conformity processes.
• Review prototype designs and drawings; identify and communicate necessary changes to ensure certification readiness.
• Proactively identify potential certification issues and assess their impact; escalate concerns to supervisors and relevant disciplines.
• Track deliverables, testing progress, and compliance findings, ensuring timely completion of certification tasks.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date certification records and documentation.
• Interface with airlines, OEMs, FAA, and suppliers to support project timelines and certification milestones.
• Act as a subject matter expert on certification topics including flammability, dynamic/static testing, design compliance, and aircraft installation/integration.
• Develop and promote internal best practices for certification processes.
• Monitor and communicate updates on industry standards, regulations, and documentation to relevant team members.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and compliant work environment by adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Contribute to team success by supporting related tasks and initiatives as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of company information and proprietary products.

Knowledge / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical/Aerospace/Structural Engineering or AME.
• Familiarity with FAA / EASA Part 21 and Part 25 regulations.
• Experience with AutoCAD and/or CATIA V5
• In-depth understanding of dynamic, static, and flammability testing procedures
• Detailed knowledge of TSO processes and FAA regulations
• Ability to analyze regulatory requirements and advisory materials.
• Operational knowledge of certification test equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Technical writing proficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.