The incumbent serves as a program manager and senior propulsion engineer in the Military Certification Branch (MCB). Serves as propulsion subject matter expert and project manager and airworthiness system interface between the FAA and U.S. military sponsors (including U.S. Armed Services system program offices and their cognizant military airworthiness authorities and sometimes involving their affiliated domestic and international partners).
Duties
Applies experience and comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, theories. and concepts, as well as an understanding of new technologies and methodologies, to solve complex problems and to develop improved technical processes for the organization. Considers the objectives of the division and LOB/SO when developing, integrating and implementing solutions to diverse, complex problems. Manages MCDA programs and certification projects. Establishes initial agreements between the FAA and the Sponsors regarding program-specific services the FAA will provide. Develops and tracks FAA resource and labor hour costs for MCDA programs. Assists the Sponsors in developing acquisition strategies, airworthiness plans, and requests for proposals. Advises the Sponsors in their evaluations of contract proposals. Evaluates the suitability of compliance plans and especially the proposed interfaces between FAA and military airworthiness systems. Assists stakeholders in understanding FAA requirements.
Provides FAA Program Management for assigned MCDA projects and related programs. Provides propulsion systems technical guidance. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced engineer. Develops plans, techniques and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with senior management to solve problems. Defines, organizes, and assigns resources to accomplish organizational objectives. Allocates resources to accomplish large work activities within established schedules
Provides Continued Operational Safety (COS) support for the fleet of MCDA. Coordinates COS issues with the FAA offices that manage the original type certificates and maintenance specifications for which the MCDA is a derivative or within which they are maintained. Coordinates COS issues with the pertinent Sponsor organization operating and/or maintaining MCDA.
Reviews and analyzes applications for all varieties of design approvals in determining the overall safety of proposed aircraft, areas requiring equivalencies and rulemaking and general acceptability of compliance planning and reporting documents. Coordinates all safety concerns and possible items affecting multiple technical areas with other team members. Coordinates project concerns and issues that may affect the MCDA design, the project costs or the project schedule, with the Sponsor. Acts as a principal technical specialist as a project manager for large work activities. Plans and accomplishes highly complex and challenging projects/programs and other work activities under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader or more experienced engineer.
Advises and participates in the development of designated organization procedures related to MCDA, recommends individual designee appointments, prepares designee and designated organization supervisory records in coordination with responsible FAA oversight office. Determines applicability of pertinent regulations, policies, standards or procedures as necessary because of unconventional designs, new materials or manufacturing processes, or progress in the art of aviation design and compliance approaches. Assesses the need for and participates in the development, establishment, and amendment of national standards, regulations, advisory material, criteria, policies, and procedures relating to MCDA. Prepares policies and procedures related to issues unique to MCDA (including engines, components, and systems). Provides input to, and participates in the development of, FAA, military and other policy and guidance affecting the business practices between the FAA and the Sponsors.
Contacts are internal and external. Often represents FAA as a senior technical point of contact with the manufacturer/modifier and the Sponsor in the resolution of technical and administrative problems related to MCDA projects.