Michael Smith
About Michael Smith
Michael Smith is a Certification Engineer and FAA Designated Engineering Representative at Joby Aviation, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in aerospace engineering, having held various roles at Ametek Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, and holds a Six-Sigma Green Belt certification.
Work at Joby Aviation
Michael Smith has been employed at Joby Aviation since 2020, serving as a Certification Engineer and FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER). In this role, he focuses on ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards and regulations. His work involves overseeing the certification processes for Joby Aviation's innovative aircraft designs, contributing to the company's mission of advancing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. Smith's experience in this position spans four years and includes responsibilities that require a deep understanding of FAA regulations and certification methodologies.
Previous Experience at Ametek Aerospace
Prior to his current role, Michael Smith held multiple positions at Ametek Aerospace over a span of several years. He began as a Project Engineer from 1985 to 1988, then progressed to Senior Project Engineer from 1988 to 1991. He continued to advance his career as a Lead Design Verification Engineer from 1994 to 1997, followed by a role as Process Improvement Manager from 1997 to 2000. He later served as SW Quality Assurance Manager from 2000 to 2003 and as Product Development Manager from 2003 to 2006. His diverse roles at Ametek Aerospace provided him with extensive experience in engineering, project management, and quality assurance.
Experience at Lockheed Martin
Michael Smith worked at Lockheed Martin as a Staff Electronics Engineer from 2011 to 2014. During his tenure, he contributed to various projects that required advanced electronics engineering skills. His role involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement electronic systems, ensuring that they met stringent performance and reliability standards. This experience further enhanced his engineering expertise and understanding of complex aerospace systems.
Education and Expertise
Michael Smith earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University, where he studied from 1977 to 1990. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive career in aerospace engineering. He holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certification, which signifies his proficiency in process improvement methodologies. Smith specializes in project development management and product certification, with expertise in FAA System and Equipment as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER). He is knowledgeable about standards such as DO-178, DO-160, and DO-254, which are critical in the aviation industry.
Skills and Specializations
Michael Smith possesses a range of skills that are essential in the aerospace engineering field. He is skilled in ROI-valuation and risk management, which supports strategic decision-making processes within organizations. His in-depth knowledge of the general aviation and business jet markets enables him to navigate complex regulatory environments effectively. Smith's specialization in project development management and product certification positions him as a valuable asset in ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.