Engineer, Principal - Certification

American Bureau of Shipping•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Principal Engineer - Certification functions under the direction and oversight of the GVC Technical Manager, Certification in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards. Serves as a senior technical authority and lead for certification-related activities within an assigned discipline or program. Provides advanced technical expertise, drives complex certification initiatives, and ensures consistent interpretation and application of global certification standards. Acts as a technical mentor and advisor, supports continuous improvement of certification processes, and ensures quality, consistency, and continuity of certification work without direct supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience
At least 5–7 years in certification, compliance, or regulatory-based technical roles.
Demonstrated experience leading complex certification projects and serving as a technical authority or subject matter expert.
Proven experience providing technical leadership on complex, multi-disciplinary certification programs.
Strong technical judgment, organizational skills, and ability to influence outcomes without direct authority.
High professional integrity and commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Expert-level knowledge of certification standards, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices relevant to assigned discipline(s).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex technical and regulatory challenges.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to internal teams, clients, and regulators.
Demonstrated ability to function as a technical leader and trusted advisor without formal supervisory authority.
Strong client-facing skills and ability to build credibility with external stakeholders.
Thorough understanding of quality management systems and certification workflows.
Proficiency in English

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
International experience or exposure to global certification standards and regulatory environments is strongly preferred.
Additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

Serves as the technical lead for complex and high-risk certification projects, providing authoritative guidance on standards interpretation and regulatory compliance.
Develops and executes short- and long-term technical certification strategies aligned with business and client needs.
Maintains deep awareness of regulatory, industry, and technological developments affecting certification programs and proactively advises management on impacts and opportunities.
Provides expert technical review and approval of certification deliverables to ensure compliance with applicable global standards and internal quality requirements.
Identifies opportunities to improve certification methods, processes, tools, and technologies, and recommends technical enhancements to increase efficiency and quality.
Acts as a technical mentor and subject matter expert for certification engineers and specialists; provides guidance, coaching, and knowledge transfer (without direct line management authority).
Supports qualification and competency development of certification personnel by contributing to technical training content, best practices, and lessons learned.
Ensures certification activities within assigned technical scope comply with internal and external quality system requirements.
Monitors quality and technical consistency of certification services to support client satisfaction and risk management.
May serve as Technical Lead or Program Technical Authority for key certification clients or complex programs.
Provides technical input to proposals, program planning, and resolution of complex client or regulatory issues.