Engineering Manager Avionics & Flight Data Systems

Acron Aviation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Acron Aviation, a leader in avionics, seeks an Engineering Manager for the Recorders product line to guide Systems, Software, and Project Leadership teams. You will champion workforce planning, credible budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver flight data and cockpit recorders to global customers.

You will drive transformation with modern development practices, model-based systems engineering, and AI-assisted tooling while partnering with product management and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in systems, software, electrical, aerospace, or related engineering.
• 10+ years aerospace/avionics/defense engineering experience.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership with direct reports.
• Knowledge of avionics lifecycles ARP-4754A and DO-178C.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Experience with project planning, estimation, and risk management.
• Ability to lead through influence in a matrix 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 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 — lean practices and AI-assisted engineering tools.
• Work across product lines, partnering with peer engineering managers to share talent and harmonize practices.
• Partner with senior leaders, program managers, customers, and stakeholders to drive outcomes and effectiveness.
• Act as the engineering liaison with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies when required.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Systems engineering

Aerospace

DO-178C

ARP-4754A

Communication

Risk management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems/Software/Electrical/Aerospace engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Acron Aviation, a leader in avionics, seeks an Engineering Manager for the Recorders product line to guide Systems, Software, and Project Leadership teams. You will champion workforce planning, credible budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver flight data and cockpit recorders to global customers.

You will drive transformation with modern development practices, model-based systems engineering, and AI-assisted tooling while partnering with product management and regulatory