Certification Engineer (Flammability)

🔥 Flammability Certification Engineer

Pathway to FAA DER (Designated Engineering Representative)
📍 Fort Worth, Texas (on-site) | Relocation support available
💰 $90,000 – $120,000 (increasing to $120,000 – $160,000+ upon DER authorisation)

🚀 About the Opportunity

iO Associates are partnered with a specialist aerospace testing organisation focused on flammability and fire certification for aircraft interiors and engine components.

This is a genuinely unique opportunity for a certification engineer to step into a highly specialised environment and work towards becoming a Flammability DER, with a clear and supported pathway aligned to the Federal Aviation Administration.

🔥 Why this role is different

• Clear route to FAA DER authorisation (typically within ~6 months, experience dependent)
• Direct involvement in real flammability testing and certification programmes
• Work at the intersection of test data, engineering, and regulatory compliance
• Join a small, growing team (~7 people) where your contribution is highly visible
• Long-term opportunity to progress into Certification Manager or DER leadership

🛠️ What you’ll be doing

• Writing certification test plans and reports
• Interpreting and applying FAA flammability regulations (FAR 25.853 / 855 / 856)
• Analysing engineering drawings and materials to determine compliance requirements
• Communicating directly with customers on certification pathways
• Conducting and/or witnessing flammability and fire testing of materials
• Supporting compliance findings and approval documentation

What to expect

This is a hands-on lab-based role, not a purely desk-based certification position.

• You will spend time in testing environments (heat, fumes, PPE provided)
• Periods of standing, test witnessing, and physical involvement are required
• As part of a small team, you’ll take on a variety of responsibilities beyond a traditional job scope

👤 What we’re looking for

You’ll meet one of the following:

• Previous experience as a DER or Unit Member (UM); or
• Engineering degree + ~4 years’ experience in aircraft flammability certification; or
• 6+ years’ experience in aircraft flammability certification

In addition:

• Working knowledge of FAA flammability regulations (FAR 25.853 / 855 / 856)
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills
• Experience with technical writing and certification documentation
• Comfortable working in a hands-on testing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

📌 U.S. Citizenship is required, must be based in or willing to relocate to Fort Worth, Texas

✈️ The bigger picture

This role offers something rare:

A direct pathway into becoming a Flammability DER within an organisation where certification is the core business, not a support function.

You’ll gain exposure to:

• Real FAA certification programmes
• End-to-end testing and compliance processes
• The experience required to step into DER-level responsibility

If you’re currently working in certification and want a more hands-on, specialised route into DER authorisation, this is one of the most direct opportunities available.

👉 Apply now or reach out to iO Associates for a confidential discussion.