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Faa Der Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

A&P Mechanics

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$33 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At each of these stations, our team(s) offer a full range of support services, FAA / DER engineering assistance, AOG response teams and enhanced reliability through rapid response times. Skilled ...

A&P Mechanics

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At each station, our teams offer a full range of support services, FAA/DER engineering assistance, AOG response teams, and enhanced reliability through rapid response times. Skilled mechanics stand ...

Lead A&P Mechanics

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$24.75 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At each station, our teams offer a full range of support services, FAA/DER engineering assistance, AOG response teams, and enhanced reliability through rapid response times. Skilled mechanics stand ...

Faa Der information

See Arizona salary details

$8

$32

$61

How much do faa der jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for faa der in Arizona is $32.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $41.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FAA DER?

FAA DERs, or Federal Aviation Administration Designated Engineering Representatives, are individuals who are authorized by the FAA to approve or recommend approval of technical data related to aircraft design and modifications. They act as delegates of the FAA for specific areas such as structures, systems, propulsion, and more. DERs play an essential role in ensuring that aircraft and related products meet all safety and regulatory standards during certification processes. Their expertise helps streamline the process of getting aircraft modifications and repairs approved. Typically, DERs are highly experienced engineers with deep knowledge of FAA regulations.

What are common challenges faced by FAA DERs when certifying new aviation products?

FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) often encounter challenges such as interpreting and applying complex FAA regulations to novel designs, managing communications between manufacturers and the FAA, and ensuring that all documentation is thorough and compliant. Working under tight project deadlines and balancing multiple certification projects simultaneously is also common. Effective collaboration with engineering teams, project managers, and regulatory bodies is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring timely certification.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an FAA DER?

To thrive as an FAA DER, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, regulatory compliance, and relevant engineering experience, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and FAA authorization. Familiarity with FAA regulations, certification processes, and technical documentation systems like DO-178C or DO-254 is essential. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure aircraft designs meet safety standards and regulatory requirements, which is critical for public safety and certification success.

What is the difference between Faa Der vs Faa Pilot?

AspectFaa DerFaa Pilot
Required CredentialsFAA certification, specific trainingFAA certification, pilot license, flight hours
Work EnvironmentDesign and develop drone operations, regulatory complianceOperate drones in various environments, flight safety
Industry UsageRegulatory agencies, drone companiesCommercial and recreational drone flights

Faa Der professionals focus on drone design, regulation, and compliance, while Faa Pilots operate drones in the field. Both roles require FAA certification, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

How do you become a Faa Der?

To become a FAA DER (Designated Engineering Representative), candidates typically need extensive experience in aerospace engineering or aircraft maintenance, relevant FAA certifications, and a thorough understanding of FAA regulations. Applicants must submit an application through the FAA, pass a background check, and demonstrate technical expertise during interviews and evaluations.
Infographic showing various Faa Der job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,947 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Garmin International, Inc.

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer for Garmin's Mesa, AZ location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in development or certification of avionics installations.
Essential Functions
  • Provide leadership for the certification aspects of Garmin aircraft certification projects through coordination with the FAA, internal Garmin groups and outside customers to ensure well planned, efficient and timely aircraft systems implementation, development and FAA certification
  • Serve in leadership capacity to develop and/or certify complex STCs designs including all aspects such as installation design/interconnect, safety considerations, etc.
  • Create or review STC certification plans for projects, including determining affected Federal Aviation Regulations and certification basis based on similar projects
  • Create or review test reports, analyses, and other compliance data for projects of medium complexity
  • May serve as project lead, technical lead, or certification lead for projects of medium complexity or for complex designs that are significant redesigns of existing STC projects
  • Demonstrate solid understanding of STC certification process and associated regulations
  • Revise procedures/create new procedures and logically define project documentation structure
  • Coordinate with outside customers to understand/meet their expectations consistently
  • Coordinate internal Garmin groups to communicate, execute and meet project goals and work effectively with design/development teams to complete complex projects
  • Understand design and/or certification constraints
  • Provide reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serve as a mentor to less experienced aircraft systems engineers (Aircraft Systems Engineer 1 & 2)
  • Provide engineering support for the development of system safety documents

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Previous experience working in avionics design, installation and FAA certification
  • Must be detail-oriented and work proactively and effectively with some supervision support
  • Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a flexible, fast paced and challenging environment
  • Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations applicable to avionics and flight controls certification efforts
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the FAA STC process
  • Demonstrated understanding of commercial avionics interface standards and their installation
  • Demonstrated clear understanding of the FAA system safety process
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated advanced knowledge in one or more of the following technical areas: Aircraft Electrical Systems, Integrated Avionics Systems, Flight Control Systems, System Safety, and/or Aircraft Certification procedures

Desired Qualifications
  • A background with aircraft systems, aircraft maintenance or modification
  • Pilot's license or Pilot-in-training
  • FAA DER, Candidate DER, or previous ODA Unit Member authorization
  • Prior experience in project, program, and people management

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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