Principal Certification Engineer

Our client, a confidential greenfield aerospace programme, is seeking a Principal Certification Engineer to help lead the certification of a next-generation aircraft, building the certification function from the ground up and supporting the programme through Type Certification.

What you'll own
  • Developing Certification Plans, Certification Basis, Means of Compliance (MoC), Issue Papers and Compliance Reports across multiple aircraft systems.
  • Leading certification activities under GCAA CAR 21, with EASA Part 21 and FAA certification running in parallel.
  • Acting as the technical interface with certification authorities, supporting compliance findings through to approval.
  • Supporting conformity inspections, ground testing, flight testing and certification data package development.
  • Working closely with Systems, Structures, Flight Controls, Software, Hardware, Propulsion and Flight Test teams to ensure certification readiness.
  • Establishing certification standards, processes and best practices within a growing Design Organisation.
  • Mentoring junior certification engineers while helping build the future certification team.

What you'll bring
  • 10+ years' experience in aircraft certification within an OEM or aircraft manufacturing environment.
  • Strong experience delivering Type Certification programmes under EASA Part 21, FAA Part 21 or equivalent.
  • Proven experience developing Certification Plans, Certification Basis and Means of Compliance.
  • Working knowledge of ARP4754A/B, ARP4761A, DO-178C, DO-254 and DO-160.
  • Experience working across multiple disciplines including Aircraft Systems, Avionics, Flight Controls, Electric Propulsion or Flight Test.
  • Previous experience engaging directly with certification authorities and leading technical certification discussions.
  • Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE), DER or equivalent delegation would be highly advantageous.
  • eVTOL, electric aircraft or advanced air mobility certification experience is highly desirable.

This is a rare opportunity to join a founding engineering team and play a key role in delivering the certification of a clean-sheet aircraft programme, with a clear pathway into future certification leadership.