Serves as Aerospace Engineer for the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR). AIR develops safety standards, policies, and guidance that govern the design, production, and airworthiness of aircraft, engines, propellers, parts and appliances (hereafter referred to as aviation products). In addition, AIR issues approvals and provides oversight of FAA approval holders, designees, and delegated organizations.
Duties
The Aerospace Engineer (Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems) position has responsibility for regulatory oversite of aircraft certification programs and continuing operational safety in cabin safety and environmental systems. Examples include cabin interiors, seats and dynamic seat testing, cabin mechanical systems, flammability testing, fire properties of materials, door systems, escape systems, cargo systems, waste/water systems, environmental control systems, oxygen systems, fire protection systems, air-conditioning, ventilation, pneumatics, pressurization, and icing protection systems.
Applies safety management principles using experience, advanced engineering knowledge, and risk management techniques; investigates and identifies safety of flight issues using risk assessment tools, and utilizes policies and procedures to mitigate unsafe conditions through the use of airworthiness directives or other continued operational safety processes. Responsibilities include the review and evaluation of regulatory compliance for aviation product certification projects and initiation of safety determinations for continuing airworthiness. Oversees Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) for technical and procedural compliance to the regulations. As a member of an Organization Management Team (OMT), provides comprehensive oversight for Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holders. In cooperation with other pertinent AIR organizations, participates in supervision of Safety Management Systems of design approval holders. The incumbent may also work with applicants for design approvals related to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 23, 25, 27, or 29 and other 14 CFR parts assigned.
Applies concepts applicable to the perspective discipline to accomplish assignments and to develop plans and techniques to improve programs and policies. Understands how his/her technical area interacts with or is affected by other disciplines and considers the objectives of the major subdivision and LOB/SO when developing, integrating, and implementing solutions to diverse, complex, problems. Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments and plans the implementation of projects/programs under limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, or more experienced engineer. May act as a contributing specialist on large work activities, or as a team leader for single or small work activities. Work is reviewed periodically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity.
Defines, plans, and organized assigned resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Allocates resources to accomplish small work-activities within established schedules. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for more assignments, but allow considerable discretion to select the most appropriate approach or to recommend new approaches. Assignments typically require solutions that are to be derived by interpreting and extrapolating from situations that were faced in the past. Provides recommendation to improve work processes. Provides guidance to lower-level staff to solve difficult technical issues. Identifies and informs Management of problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommend techniques to address problem situations.
Contacts are internal and external to the organizational unit. May act as a key technical point of contact for assigned activities. Contributes to the preparation of management/technical reports or contractual documents, and may be called upon to communicate the overall results of a project or work activity to FAA management, the aviation and aerospace industries, and other external parties. Work activities typically support and may be vital to the success of projects or activities of one or more organizational units, subdivisions, and LOBs/SOs. The work may affect the safety/security of customers.