Position SummaryAcron Aviation is seeking a highly experienced Lead Avionics Certification Engineer to lead certification activities for avionics systems and aircraft modifications across commercial, business aviation, and special mission platforms. This individual will serve as a technical leader responsible for developing and executing certification strategies supporting Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), Technical Standard Orders (TSOs), major and minor aircraft modifications, and related FAA approvals.
The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience working with FAA regulations, certification plans, compliance documentation, and conformity inspections. Preference will be given to candidates with current or previous Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Administrator experience or those possessing the qualifications and industry credentials necessary to obtain FAA approval as an ODA Administrator in the near term.
Key Responsibilities- Lead certification programs from concept through FAA approval.
- Develop certification strategies for avionics systems, aircraft modifications, and new product installations.
- Serve as a primary interface with FAA Certification Branches, Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO), Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), and Organizational Designation Authorization (ODA) units.
- Prepare, review, and/or approve certification documents, including:
- Certification Plans
- Compliance Checklists
- Draft Issue Papers
- Means of Compliance Documents
- Conformity Inspection Requests
- Ground and Flight Test Plans
- FAA Approval Packages
- Lead STC certification efforts involving surveillance, flight/data recorders, and displays avionics product lines.
- Support TSO authorization projects, including qualification testing, environmental compliance, software, and hardware certification activities.
- Interpret and apply FAA regulations, policy, and guidance material including:
- 14 CFR Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29
- AC 20-series guidance
- FAA Orders and Policy Memoranda, particularly FAA Order 8100.15 (ODA Procedures)
- RTCA and SAE standards
- Lead certification activities involving:
- DO-160 Environmental Qualification
- DO-178 Software Certification
- DO-254 Airborne Electronic Hardware
- ARP4754A System Development
- ARP4761 Safety Assessment
- Coordinate engineering disciplines including systems, software, hardware, electrical, mechanical, and test engineering teams through the certification process.
- Mentor junior certification engineers and provide regulatory guidance across the organization.
- Support audits, FAA evaluations, and ODA administrative activities.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of certification processes and organizational procedures.
- Desired ODA Responsibilities
- Credentials to serve as an ODA Administrator or certification leader within the organization's ODA structure.
- Coordinate ODA functions and delegated activities.
- Ensure compliance with FAA delegation requirements and procedures.
- Support expansion and maintenance of ODA capabilities.
- Serve as a key liaison between company leadership and FAA representatives.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- 9+ years of experience in aviation certification, aircraft modifications, avionics integration, or aerospace systems engineering.
- Experience supporting or obtaining:
- Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs)
- Technical Standard Order Authorizations (TSOAs)
- Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) programs
- Major alteration approvals
- Experience working with Part 23, Part 25, Part 27, or Part 29 aircraft.
- DER, DAR, or former FAA certification experience.
- Ability to serve as a direct interface with FAA Certification Branches and FAA ODA Management Teams (OMTs).
- Demonstrated experience leading FAA STC certification programs.
- Comprehensive knowledge of FAA certification processes and applicable regulations.
- Experience developing certification plans and managing compliance activities through approval.
- Strong technical understanding of avionics systems architecture and aircraft integration.
- Ability to communicate effectively with FAA personnel, engineering teams, customers, and executive leadership.
- This position may require access to information, technology, software, or hardware that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. To comply with these requirements, applicants must qualify as a US Person.
Preferred Additional Skills- Previous ODA Administrator experience. Familiarity with STC ODA operation.
- FAA approval history within an ODA environment.
- Qualifications and experience sufficient to pursue FAA approval as an ODA Administrator shortly after hire.
- Advanced degree in engineering or related discipline.
- PMP certification or formal program management experience.
