UAV Regulatory and Certification Expert

About the role

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 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; provide 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 Working independently and responsibly. Perform tasks as described above. Compliance according to ANAVIA' employment contract, compliance with company' safety instructions and employee' safety requirements, compliance with employers' quality manual, work instructions and corresponding process specifications and instructions. International travel requires up to 25% of employee' working hours. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or 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. Skills: 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, and able to lead or independently manage certification activities. High integrity and safety mindset; skilled at assessing risks and making sound technical decisions. Ability to guide and mentor junior engineers in airworthiness and certification processes. Strong documentation, reporting, and regulatory submission skills. Language: Good language skills in English (oral and written). German desirable. Eligibility: Swiss or EU citizens only. Location: On-Site in Näfels | Bilten, Switzerland.