Application Guide

How to Apply for Certification and Airworthiness Specialist (Remote, US-only)

at Pyka

🏢 About Pyka

Pyka is a pioneering electric aviation company that designs, develops, and manufactures autonomous electric aircraft for cargo and crop protection. They are unique because they have already secured FAA approvals and deployed their aircraft across four continents, proving their technology in real-world operations. Working here means contributing to the future of sustainable, safe, and accessible air transportation.

About This Role

As a Certification and Airworthiness Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring Pyka's autonomous electric aircraft meet regulatory standards and maintain airworthiness. You will work closely with engineering, flight operations, and regulatory bodies like the FAA to obtain and maintain certifications. This role is critical to enabling Pyka to expand its operations and bring new products to market.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing engineering change proposals for compliance with airworthiness standards, then meet with the FAA to discuss certification test plans. Later, you could work with the flight test team to ensure data collection meets regulatory requirements, and update internal documentation for continued airworthiness. The day ends with a cross-functional sync to align on certification milestones.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Pyka

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Pyka Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on experience with FAA certification processes for Part 23 or Part 27 aircraft, ideally with electric or autonomous systems.
  • Possesses a strong understanding of airworthiness standards, including continued operational safety and maintenance programs.
  • Can interpret and apply complex regulations (e.g., 14 CFR) to novel aircraft designs and autonomous technologies.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills to liaise between engineers, regulators, and leadership, and thrives in a remote, fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Pyka

1

Highlight any specific FAA certification projects you've worked on, including the type of aircraft and the regulations applied.

2

Emphasize your experience with electric propulsion or autonomous systems, as Pyka's aircraft are unique in this regard.

3

Show that you can work independently and manage regulatory timelines remotely, as this is a remote role.

4

Research Pyka's existing FAA approvals (e.g., for their cargo aircraft) and mention how you can build on that success.

5

Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'airworthiness,' 'certification,' 'FAA,' 'Part 23,' 'autonomous,' and 'electric aviation.'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your direct experience with FAA certification and airworthiness for innovative aircraft. 2) Your ability to navigate ambiguous regulatory environments and propose compliant solutions. 3) Your passion for sustainable aviation and how you align with Pyka's mission. 4) Your track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve certification milestones.

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Pyka's website, focusing on their products (Pelican, Egret) and their FAA certifications to date.
  • → Read the FAA's Part 23 and Part 27 regulations, as well as recent advisory circulars on electric propulsion and autonomous systems.
  • → Look up interviews or articles with Pyka's leadership to understand their vision and approach to certification.
  • → Explore news about competitors in the electric aviation space and their certification progress to understand the landscape.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Can you walk us through a certification project you led from start to finish? What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?
2 How would you approach certifying an autonomous electric aircraft under existing FAA regulations? What gaps exist and how might you address them?
3 Describe your experience with continued airworthiness and maintenance programs. How do you ensure ongoing compliance?
4 How do you stay current with evolving FAA regulations and guidance, especially regarding electric and autonomous aircraft?
5 Tell us about a time you had to negotiate with a regulator to accept a novel compliance method. What was the outcome?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic about certification experience without mentioning specific aircraft types or regulations.
  • Ignoring the remote aspect and not demonstrating ability to work effectively in a distributed team.
  • Failing to show enthusiasm for Pyka's mission and the unique challenges of certifying autonomous electric aircraft.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Pyka!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →