Program Manager-FAA Compliance

Program Manager-FAA Compliance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aerospace Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in FAA regulatory compliance, certification, airworthiness or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of FAA regulatory frameworks, including experience with COAs, 44807 exemptions, Part 91, Part 135, or Part 107 operations.
• Experience engaging directly with FAA representatives and regulatory agencies.
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, UAS, and emerging aviation technologies.
• Experience in defense-related aviation programs, including interactions with the DoD or other government agencies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements to real-world operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting regulatory submissions and compliance documentation.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment, balancing regulatory requirements with operational objectives.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Strong computer and documentation experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Bias for action – if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret-Level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance programs to ensure adherence to FAA regulations, including Part 21, Part 91, Part 107, Part 135, or other applicable rules.
• Prepare and submit regulatory applications, including FAA Certificates of Authorization (COAs), 44807 exemptions, and type certification requests.
• Serve as a liaison with the FAA, Department of Defense (DoD), and other regulatory bodies to obtain necessary approvals for flight operations and experimental testing.
• Develop compliance strategies for new technologies, including autonomous systems, beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, and large UAS.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of FAA regulatory changes and provide guidance to internal stakeholders on compliance implications.
• Support audits, inspections, and internal reviews to ensure ongoing regulatory adherence.
• Work closely with engineering, flight operations, and safety teams to integrate compliance requirements into operational procedures.
• Assist in developing and maintaining regulatory documentation, manuals, and training materials related to FAA compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to company personnel on FAA compliance matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA certification or regulatory-related training (e.g., DER, DAR, Part 107 certification, or other FAA compliance training).
• Experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS) and risk-based compliance approaches.
• Experience with UAS-specific compliance issues, including BVLOS and detect-and-avoid (DAA) technologies.
• Knowledge of DCMA 8210.1D, MIL-STD airworthiness processes, or other defense-related airworthiness policies.
• Experience working directly with the FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) regulators.
• Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiar with aviation terminology.
• Hold FAA Private Pilot Certificate, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Has former DoD UAS operational experience.