UAV Regulatory and Certification Expert

About the Company

ANAVIA specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems capable of handling up to 500 kilograms. The company provides industry-leading unmanned helicopter systems tailored for various mission profiles, including Surveillance & Reconnaissance, Inspection, Mapping, and Cargo.

Your Mission

Key Tasks:

• Lead and coordinate operational approval and certification activities for UAV platforms, ensuring compliance with FOCA, EASA, and national UAS regulations.
• Develop, manage, and maintain approval plans, including the preparation and submission of required documentation to regulatory authorities.
• Support cross-functional teams in ensuring approval compliance from concept to operation.
• Conduct and support system safety assessments, hazard analyses, and risk evaluations per industry standards.
• Oversee and participate in pre-flight and flight-test programs to validate compliance.
• Stay current with evolving UAS regulations and standards, providing expert guidance and training to internal teams.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, certification bodies, and notified entities.
• Lead or support investigations related to airworthiness or regulatory compliance.

Competencies & Duties

• Work independently and responsibly to perform assigned tasks.
• Adhere to compliance regulations as outlined in ANAVIA's employment contract, safety instructions, and quality manual.
• Be prepared for international travel, which may require up to 25% of working hours.

Your Profile

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience or strong academic/project background in operational authorization, certification, or safety for UAVs or manned aircraft.
• Strong understanding of EASA UAS regulations.
• Experience with certification plans, compliance matrices, and operational approvals.
• Proven knowledge of risk assessment methodologies such as SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment).
• Familiarity with safety and design assurance standards (ARP4754, DO-178C, DO-254, ISO 9001, ISO 21384).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail in documentation.
• Excellent knowledge of UAV systems, avionics, propulsion, and control systems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable working with regulators and cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, self-motivated, capable of leading or managing certification activities independently.
• High integrity and safety mindset; skilled at assessing risks and making sound technical decisions.
• Able to guide and mentor junior engineers in airworthiness and certification processes.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and regulatory submission skills.
• Language: Good proficiency in English (oral and written), with an advantage for German.

Become part of the Anavia Family

A committed and international team is waiting for you. Engage in exciting projects with ample opportunities for growth. Benefit from support in training and personal and professional development. Join us for team events where we celebrate our successes together, all while enjoying a beautiful Swiss mountain view office in Näfels, Glarus Nord.