Job Description

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.

What You Will Do:

• 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.

What You Will Need:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related technical discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience, including 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.
• International experience or exposure to global certification standards and regulatory environments is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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; additional languages are a plus.

Reporting Relationships

Report to Technical Manager or the Department Manager and may have direct reports.

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.

ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.

About Our Benefits

ABS Bureau proudly offers a variety of industry-leading benefits designed to enhance the life and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include, but are not limited to, medical insurance (PPO and HD), dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability leave programs, parental leave program, paid holidays, and paid vacation time. The Company provides an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that offers support in personal wellness, including work-life services. ABS Bureau also offers a 401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements.

Equal Opportunity

ABS Bureau is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.

Notice

ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.

Other

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs