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Designated Engineering Representative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thinkpath Engineering Services

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Engineering Manager (Airline Support)

Wilmington, OH · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) certification. * Advanced degree or formal training in Business, Finance, Marketing, or a specialized engineering discipline. * Formal management ...

Thrush Aircraft

STAFF ENGINEER LIASON

Albany, GA · On-site

$53K - $92K/yr

FAA DER (Designated Engineering Representative). * Management training or experience. Job Types: * Full-time, Contract Pay: * $53,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year Schedule: * Day shift * Monday to Friday ...

Thrush Aircraft

STAFF ENGINEER LIASON

Albany, GA · On-site

$53K - $92K/yr

FAA DER (Designated Engineering Representative). * Management training or experience. Job Types: * Full-time, Contract Pay: * $53,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year Schedule: * Day shift * Monday to Friday ...

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Designated Engineering Representative information

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How much do designated engineering representative jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated engineering representative in the United States is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Designated Engineering Representative vs Quality Assurance Inspector?

AspectDesignated Engineering RepresentativeQuality Assurance Inspector
CredentialsEngineering license, certifications in relevant fieldsQuality assurance certifications, inspection training
Work EnvironmentDesign review, technical decision-making, engineering tasksInspection, testing, compliance verification
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, engineering firmsManufacturing plants, construction sites, aerospace

The main difference is that a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is authorized to make engineering decisions and approve designs, while a Quality Assurance Inspector focuses on inspecting and verifying product quality. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and aerospace industries but serve different functions in ensuring safety and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER), you need deep expertise in aeronautical engineering, regulatory compliance knowledge, and usually an engineering degree with significant industry experience. Familiarity with FAA regulations, certification processes, engineering analysis tools, and documentation systems is critical, and FAA DER authorization is required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help DERs collaborate with regulatory agencies and engineering teams. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, compliant aircraft designs and smooth certification processes within the aviation industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) in coordinating with regulatory authorities?

Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) often encounter challenges when interpreting and applying complex regulatory standards to unique or innovative projects. They must ensure that all documentation and test results meet strict FAA requirements, which can involve extensive communication and negotiation with regulatory authorities. Additionally, DERs may need to balance project timelines with the thoroughness required for compliance, making strong organizational and interpersonal skills essential for success. Collaborating effectively with both internal engineering teams and external regulators is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring certification success.

What is a Designated Engineering Representative (DER)?

A Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is an individual authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve or recommend approval for technical data and engineering designs related to aircraft certification. DERs are typically highly experienced engineers or technical experts who ensure that aviation products meet all safety and regulatory standards. They work either as independent consultants or as part of an organization's engineering team, helping to streamline the certification process. DERs play a critical role in maintaining the safety and compliance of the aviation industry.
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Designated Engineering Representative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Designated Engineering Representative job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,257 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Designated Engineering Representative (DER), Electrical

Amca

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$130K - $167K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview: 

You will serve as Amca's internal FAA-appointed Designated Engineering Representative for electrical products. You will support certification of Amca's growing product portfolio - spanning power electronics, electromechanical products, and general avionics - working directly with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) and Amca's electrical engineering team across TC, STC, PMA, and TSOA programs. You will directly support electrical design and development within the product development team.  

Responsibilities: 

Engineering Support 

  • Review electrical design data, electrical analysis, and supporting reports for compliance with applicable airworthiness regulations.  
  • Provide regulatory guidance to Amca's electrical engineering team throughout the design cycle 
  • Advise on applicable regulations, advisory circulars, and special conditions for new programs involving avionics hardware.  
  • Maintain current FAA DER appointment and complete all required FAA initial and recurrent training per FAA Order 8000.95 

Certification Planning and FAA Interface 

  • Develop and negotiate certification plans with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) covering mechanical product scope 
  • Identify compliance methods and documentation requirements for new certification projects from program kickoff through data approval 
  • Serve as primary technical liaison to the FAA ACO or other relevant certification authorities on electrical product questions, regulatory interpretations, and project status 
  • Define test plans, witness certification and qualification tests, and approve resulting test data 

Certification Activities 

  • Determine the appropriate certification process for Amca product development (PMA, STC, TC, TSOA, and other projects) and support projects by reviewing and approving substantiating and descriptive data for compliance with applicable airworthiness standards. 
  • Develop a standard internal certification process for the different types of FAA workflows (PMA, STC, TC, TSOA, and other projects). 
  • Approve and sign FAA Form 8110-3 for mechanical systems engineering data within the limits of your DER authority 

Qualifications: 

  • BS in electrical, software, computer or related engineering discipline 
  • Active FAA Company or Consultant DER appointment in electrical discipline 
  • Thorough working knowledge of 14 CFR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, or 29 as applicable to Amca's product lines; familiarity with the certification basis and regulatory intent behind key airworthiness standards 
  • Experience supporting TC, STC, or PMA certification projects for avionics products.  
  • Familiarity with FAA Form 8110-3 approval processes and DER authority and limitations under FAA Order 8110.37 
  • Experience applying MIL-SPEC, AMS, and other defense-relevant standards in dual-use aerospace programs a plus 
  • Experience in a defense or national security environment preferred 
  • U.S. person required under ITAR 

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