Engineering Manager - Avionics & Flight Data Systems

Acron Aviation; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Acron Aviation, a leader in avionics and recorders, is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our Systems, Software, and Project Lead teams responsible for flight data and cockpit voice recorder solutions. You will shape strategy, oversee workforce planning, and drive certification-aligned development across disciplines, partnering with product, hardware, regulators, and customers.

The role emphasizes transformation, lean practices, and AI-enabled engineering to deliver safe, compliant,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in systems, software, electrical, aerospace or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, avionics, defense or related industries.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership or management experience with direct reports.
• Working knowledge of avionics development lifecycles (ARP-4754A systems and/or DO-178C software practice).
• A people-first leadership record: talent development, coaching and mentoring, succession planning, performance management and team building.
• Experience with engineering project planning, estimation, and risk management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead through influence in a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Build, develop, and retain high‑performing engineering teams by fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Coach and mentor engineering leaders and individual contributors, helping them achieve their professional goals while growing organizational capability.
• Lead functional governance across systems engineering (ARP-4754A), software engineering (DO-178C), and engineering project leadership.
• Own workforce planning, succession planning, resource allocation, and engineering budgets across three functions.
• Drive program execution: credible estimates, resource‑loaded schedules, risk management, and metrics‑driven management.
• Collaborate with product management, hardware engineering, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and roadmaps.
• Sponsor engineering transformation: model‑based systems engineering, digital thread, and modern development practices compatible with certification.
• Drive continuous improvement and AI adoption within your organization — championing lean practices and AI‑assisted engineering tools as part of how the team works every day.
• Work across product lines, partnering with peer engineering managers to share talent, harmonize practices, and carry lessons learned between organizations.
• Partner closely with senior leaders, program managers, customers, and functional stakeholders to drive successful program outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Act as the engineering technical liaison with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies when required.

Skills

People leadership

Systems engineering

Software engineering

Project planning

Risk management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Acron Aviation, a leader in avionics and recorders, is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our Systems, Software, and Project Lead teams responsible for flight data and cockpit voice recorder solutions. You will shape strategy, oversee workforce planning, and drive certification-aligned development across disciplines, partnering with product, hardware, regulators, and customers.

The role emphasizes transformation, lean practices, and AI-enabled engineering to deliver safe, compliant,