Director of Engineering

Universal Avionics; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, visual coverage

401(k) with match

9/80 work schedule

Every other Friday off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Job summary

Universal Avionics in Tucson is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead AI/ML, computer vision, image processing, sensing, software, and complex integrated systems for next-generation aviation.

You will set technical direction, evaluate emerging technologies, guide architecture, and grow multidisciplinary teams, partnering with senior leadership to connect technology investments to product strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred; aviation or avionics experience is a plus.
• Experience turning emerging tech into product capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction across AI/ML, CV, imaging, sensing, software, and systems engineering.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into future product capabilities.
• Guide architecture, integration, and complex technical decisions.
• Build, develop, and retain exceptional engineering teams and technical leaders.
• Connect advanced technology investments to product and business strategy.
• Partner across Engineering, Product, Programs, Certification, and senior leadership.

Skills

AI/ML depth

Computer vision

Neural networks

Image processing

Sensing

Video analytics

Object detection

Tracking

Software architecture

Systems thinking

Integration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering / CS / EE

Advanced technical degree preferred

Job description

Director of Engineering | AI, Software & Systems Engineering

Tucson, AZ | Onsite

Shape the Technology Behind the Future of Flight

AI is changing what’s possible in aviation. At Universal Avionics, we're building for what comes next.

We're looking for a Director of Engineering to lead the teams advancing our work across AI/ML, computer vision, image processing, advanced sensing, software, and complex integrated systems.

This is an opportunity to help shape how emerging technologies become real-world aviation capabilities and build the engineering organization capable of delivering them.

We want a leader who understands where modern AI is going, sees possibilities others may miss, challenges conventional thinking, and can turn ambitious ideas into technical direction.

What could AI make possible for the future of flight? Come help us answer that.

What You’ll Do

• Set technical direction across AI/ML, computer vision, imaging, sensing, software, and systems engineering
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into future product capabilities
• Guide architecture, integration, and complex technical decisions
• Build, develop, and retain exceptional engineering teams and technical leaders
• Connect advanced technology investments to product and business strategy
• Partner across Engineering, Product, Programs, Certification, and senior leadership

What You Bring

• Strong technical depth in AI/ML and modern intelligent systems
• Experience with computer vision, neural networks, image processing, sensing, video analytics, object detection, tracking, or related technologies
• Strong software, systems, architecture, and integration thinking
• Experience turning emerging technologies into real products or capabilities
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and technical leaders
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technology into clear business and technical decisions
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
• Advanced technical degree preferred
• Aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, safety-critical product, or certification experience is a plus

What We Stand For

How we build matters just as much as what we build.

We Grow Together

Invest in people. Share knowledge. Help each other grow.

Innovation

Stay curious. Challenge assumptions. Test, learn, and find better ways to solve problems.

Make It Happen

Take ownership. Move with urgency. Follow through.

Excellence

Hold a high standard for quality, accountability, and impact.

Why Universal Avionics?

For more than 40 years, Universal Avionics has helped pilots see, navigate, communicate, and fly with confidence.

Today, we're a company in motion. We're evolving how we work, how we lead, and how we use technology to move faster, innovate more boldly, and build what aviation needs next.

Benefits & Perks

Universal Avionics offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees and their families, including:

Universal Avionics offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees and their families, including:

Benefits begin on your first day as a full-time employee.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with safe harbor match within 60 days
• 9/80 work schedule option
• Every other Friday off
• Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness and employee assistance programs
• And more

Challenge What Is. Build What's Next.

Join Universal Avionics and help shape the technology behind the future of flight.

Universal Avionics' products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Employment eligibility may depend on applicable export-control requirements.