Avionics Systems Architect

Job Description

We’re looking for an Avionics Architecture Lead Engineer to own the end-to-end avionics system design for our autonomous aircraft. You will define the architecture, manage key avionics subcontractors, and ensure the system meets FAA certification requirements.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role for a self-starter who can zoom from high-level architecture down into ICD details, test plans, and flight-test findings.

What You’ll Do

• Own the avionics architecture.
• Define the end-to-end avionics system, including mission computers, navigation, communications, surveillance, and payload interfaces.
  Select network topologies (ARINC 664/AFDX, TSN Ethernet, ARINC 429, CAN, etc.) and define redundancy, partitioning, and data flows.
• Lead supplier & subcontractor integration.
• Serve as primary technical point of contact for avionics vendors and integrators.
• Drive SOWs, technical requirements, ICDs, and acceptance criteria.
• Review vendor designs, safety artifacts, and test results; hold them accountable to cost/schedule/technical performance.
• Ensure FAA airworthiness compliance.
• Architect the system in accordance with ARP 4754A/4761, DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, and applicable Part 23/25 guidance.
• Support System Safety in the development and maintenance system-level requirements, safety analyses (FHA, PSSA, SSA), and certification plans.
• Drive verification & validation.
• Develop system-level test plans, HIL/LRU integration plans, and test objectives.
• Work with test and flight teams to triage anomalies, root-cause issues, and feed fixes back into the architecture.
• Collaborate across the stack.
• Partner with Autonomy, GNC, Flight Controls, and Cyber teams to ensure avionics supports robust, resilient autonomous operations.
• Communicate clearly with leadership on risk, mitigations, and tradeoffs.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in avionics systems design and integration on certificated aircraft.
• Proven experience with FAA certification efforts, including hands-on work with some combination of:
• ARP 4754A / ARP 4761
• DO-178C (software)
• DO-254 (hardware)
• DO-160 environmental testing
• Part 23 or Part 25 certification projects
• Strong systems engineering fundamentals: requirements development, ICDs, safety analysis, verification planning.
• Demonstrated experience integrating avionics LRUs, networks, and sensors in a lab or flight-test environment.
• Track record of leading and managing subcontractors or vendors—able to push back technically and keep them aligned to mission and schedule.
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting architecture and certification status to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders.
• U.S. Person, eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Bonus Points

• Experience with defense-focused avionics or mission systems (Link-16, SATCOM, tactical radios, radar, EO/IR, etc.).
• Prior work on UAS, optionally-piloted, or highly autonomous aircraft.
• Familiarity with GRA, MOSA, or SOSA standards and modular open-systems architectures.
• MBSE experience (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw) linking avionics design to the broader digital thread.
• FAA DER and/or E-UM Ticket in applicable Airworthiness Standards