Sign upLog in

Engineer, Principal - Certification

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Houston, Texas

Apply
JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Accreditation Standards, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Customer Relations, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Support/Service, English Language, Interpret Regulations, Knowledge Transfer, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Organizational Skills, People Management, Policy Development, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Process Improvement, Program Planning, Quality Management, Quality Monitoring, Quality System Requirements (QSR), Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Risk, Risk Management, Safety/Work Safety, Staff Development, Technical Leadership, Technical Strategy, Technical Writing, Training/Teaching Materials, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Houston, Texas
POSTED
2 days ago
The Principal Engineer - Certification functions under the direction and oversight of the GVC Technical Manager, Certification in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards. Serves as a senior technical authority and lead for certification-related activities within an assigned discipline or program. Provides advanced technical expertise, drives complex certification initiatives, and ensures consistent interpretation and application of global certification standards. Acts as a technical mentor and advisor, supports continuous improvement of certification processes, and ensures quality, consistency, and continuity of certification work without direct supervisory responsibility.

What You Will Do:
  • Serves as the technical lead for complex and high-risk certification projects, providing authoritative guidance on standards interpretation and regulatory compliance.
  • Develops and executes short- and long-term technical certification strategies aligned with business and client needs.
  • Maintains deep awareness of regulatory, industry, and technological developments affecting certification programs and proactively advises management on impacts and opportunities.
  • Provides expert technical review and approval of certification deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable global standards and internal quality requirements.
  • Identifies opportunities to improve certification methods, processes, tools, and technologies, and recommends technical enhancements to increase efficiency and quality.
  • Acts as a technical mentor and subject matter expert for certification engineers and specialists; provides guidance, coaching, and knowledge transfer (without direct line management authority).
  • Supports qualification and competency development of certification personnel by contributing to technical training content, best practices, and lessons learned.
  • Ensures certification activities within assigned technical scope comply with internal and external quality system requirements.
  • Monitors quality and technical consistency of certification services to support client satisfaction and risk management.
  • May serve as Technical Lead or Program Technical Authority for key certification clients or complex programs.
  • Provides technical input to proposals, program planning, and resolution of complex client or regulatory issues.
What You Will Need:

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related technical discipline; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience, including at least 5-7 years in certification, compliance, or regulatory-based technical roles.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex certification projects and serving as a technical authority or subject matter expert.
  • International experience or exposure to global certification standards and regulatory environments is strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Proven experience providing technical leadership on complex, multi-disciplinary certification programs.
  • Strong technical judgment, organizational skills, and ability to influence outcomes without direct authority.
  • High professional integrity and commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
  • Expert-level knowledge of certification standards, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices relevant to assigned discipline(s).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex technical and regulatory challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to internal teams, clients, and regulators.
  • Demonstrated ability to function as a technical leader and trusted advisor without formal supervisory authority.
  • Strong client-facing skills and ability to build credibility with external stakeholders.
  • Thorough understanding of quality management systems and certification workflows.
  • Proficiency in English; additional languages are a plus.
Reporting Relationships

Report to Technical Manager or the Department Manager and may have direct reports.

ABOUT US

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.

ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and e

About the Company

A

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Resume Resources

Free Resume TemplatesFree Resume Builder