What is a FAA Designated Engineering Representative?

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.