Lead Avionics Software Architect – DO-178 Expert

Collins Aerospace; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the architecture and development of core avionics software components and libraries. You will own DO-178 artifacts and drive safety-critical software, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet civil and military certification standards.

You will guide the full software lifecycle, mentor teams, and contribute to open architecture initiatives while traveling as needed.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree with 10+ years of experience or an advanced degree with 7+ years.
• Experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components in aerospace or safety-critical environments.
• Experience leading technical execution, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling for avionics systems.
• Drive technical direction and execution across development and verification for safety-critical software (DO-178).
• Define and manage software requirements with decomposition and traceability across complex systems.
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Own and produce DO-178 certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
• Lead and support certification efforts with customers and regulators.
• Conduct peer reviews to ensure quality and compliance across the lifecycle.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align solutions.
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally.

Skills

Software architecture

C++

OO design

Leadership

Cross-functional

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

VxWorks

GIT

Subversion

JIRA

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the architecture and development of core avionics software components and libraries. You will own DO-178 artifacts and drive safety-critical software, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet civil and military certification standards.

You will guide the full software lifecycle, mentor teams, and contribute to open architecture initiatives while traveling as needed.