AEROSPACE CERTIFICATION ENGINEER – JOB #1144

Own the Certification Path. Navigate Complexity. Help Bring Aircraft Changes to Approval.

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is seeking an experienced Aerospace Certification Engineer to lead and support FAA certification activities across rotorcraft development, modification, repair, and continued operational safety programs.

This role is ideal for an engineer who understands the certification process, can interpret complex regulatory requirements, and knows how to move a program from planning through approval.

You’ll work closely with internal engineering teams, FAA representatives, Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs), and Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) resources to develop certification strategies, establish means of compliance, prepare and review supporting documentation, and resolve certification challenges.

If you enjoy working at the intersection of engineering, regulation, compliance, and technical leadership, this is an opportunity to play a key role in advancing both legacy and new Enstrom aircraft programs.

Location: Menominee, Michigan
Status: Full-Time, On-Site, Salary, Exempt
Reports To: Director of Engineering

What You’ll Do

You’ll help lead Enstrom’s certification efforts by:

• Leading certification activities for rotorcraft design changes, supplemental type certificates, repairs, and continued operational safety initiatives.

• Developing certification plans, compliance checklists, and proposed means of compliance.

• Performing major and minor change determinations.

• Interpreting and applying applicable FAA regulations and advisory material.

• Preparing and approving project-specific certification plans and compliance reports.

• Preparing and approving stress and fatigue analysis documentation.

• Preparing and approving test plans and test reports.

• Preparing and approving system safety assessments.

• Reviewing engineering designs for compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements.

• Supporting certification strategy for both legacy products and new development programs.

• Helping ensure engineering changes are supported by accurate, complete, and defensible compliance documentation.

Be the Link Between Engineering and Certification

This position serves as an important technical interface between Enstrom and external certification resources.

You’ll:

• Work directly with the FAA Certification Branch, ODA unit members, and DERs.

• Coordinate certification requirements and technical expectations with internal engineering teams.

• Help determine appropriate certification paths and means of compliance.

• Resolve complex regulatory and certification issues as they arise.

• Support continued operational safety initiatives.

• Guide engineering teams in developing certification documentation that meets regulatory and project requirements.

• Help keep certification activities organized, timely, and aligned with program objectives.

What We’re Looking For

Successful candidates will typically bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• Five or more years of aerospace engineering experience with a strong emphasis on certification.

• Demonstrated experience with FAA certification processes.

• Experience developing, reviewing, or approving certification documentation.

• Direct experience working with FAA, ODA, or DER organizations.

• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and certification practices.

• The ability to interpret and apply applicable portions of 14 CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29.

• Strong analytical skills and sound engineering judgment.

• The ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned certification activities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• The ability to communicate effectively with FAA representatives, DERs, ODA resources, and internal engineering teams.

• Strong problem-solving skills when navigating complex certification challenges.

Leadership Matters

This role is not only about documentation and compliance. It also requires someone who can provide clear technical direction and help others understand the certification process.

You’ll be expected to:

• Mentor and guide engineering staff on certification requirements and compliance expectations.

• Provide technical leadership on certification strategy.

• Help engineering teams identify risks early and address them before they affect program timing.

• Support consistent, disciplined certification practices across projects.

Even Better If You Have

• A master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Prior DER authorization.

• DER eligibility or experience working at a DER-equivalent level of responsibility.

• Rotorcraft certification experience.

• Experience supporting both legacy aircraft and new product development programs.

Why Enstrom?

At Enstrom, certification work is directly connected to the aircraft, the engineering team, and the future of our products.

This role offers the opportunity to influence certification strategy, work directly with regulatory and delegated authorities, support meaningful aircraft changes, and help engineering teams navigate the path from design to approval.

If you’re an experienced certification engineer who enjoys solving complex regulatory challenges, guiding technical teams, and turning engineering work into approved aircraft changes, we’d like to hear from you.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily performed in an office and engineering environment and includes extended periods of computer-based work, technical document review, and participation in engineering and certification meetings.

The role requires frequent use of standard office equipment and the ability to communicate effectively during technical discussions. Occasional travel may be required for FAA or certification-related meetings.

Compensation Note: Compensation figures represent an average and may vary based on the selected candidate’s prior experience, qualifications, education, and relevant skills.