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Aircraft Certification Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) a plus * 2+ years' experience with FAA regulations procedures and the STC process * Advanced knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations and equivalent ...

MX1

Aircraft Certification Engineer

Chicago, IL

FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) a plus * 2+ years' experience with FAA regulations procedures and the STC process * Advanced knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations and equivalent ...

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How much do faa designated engineering representative jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for faa 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a FAA Designated Engineering Representative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER), you need deep expertise in aerospace engineering, a thorough understanding of FAA regulations, and often a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering along with significant industry experience. Familiarity with certification software, engineering analysis tools (like CAD and FEA), and completion of FAA training and approval processes are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and high ethical standards set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure aircraft designs meet stringent safety and regulatory standards, maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) when working with regulatory compliance and certification projects?

FAA Designated Engineering Representatives often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex and evolving regulations, balancing certification requirements with project timelines, and resolving discrepancies between applicants and FAA policies. DERs must stay updated on regulatory changes and effectively communicate requirements to both internal teams and external stakeholders. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, which requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure successful certification outcomes.

What is a FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER)?

A FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is an individual authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to act on its behalf in approving or recommending approval of technical data and engineering information for aircraft certification. DERs are typically industry professionals with significant experience in aerospace engineering who work for private companies but are granted authority to review and approve engineering documents, test results, and compliance data. Their role is critical in ensuring that aircraft and related products meet stringent FAA safety and regulatory standards. DERs may specialize in areas such as structures, systems, propulsion, or avionics.

What is the difference between Faa Designated Engineering Representative vs Faa Designated Airworthiness Representative?

AspectFaa Designated Engineering RepresentativeFaa Designated Airworthiness Representative
CredentialsEngineering degree, FAA certificationAircraft maintenance or repair certification, FAA certification
Work EnvironmentDesign and engineering review, technical assessmentsInspection, certification, and approval of aircraft or parts
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, engineering firms, FAAMaintenance organizations, repair stations, FAA

The main difference is that Faa Designated Engineering Representatives focus on engineering design and technical evaluations, while Faa Designated Airworthiness Representatives handle aircraft inspections and certification. Both roles require FAA certification but serve different functions within the aviation industry.

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What states have the most Faa Designated Engineering Representative jobs? States with the most job openings for Faa Designated Engineering Representative jobs include:
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Faa Designated Engineering Representative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Faa Designated Engineering Representative job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 72% Full Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% 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

$130K - $167K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

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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