Principal Systems Architect - Avionics Networking

GE Aerospace; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

GE Aerospace in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Principal Systems Architect - Avionics Networking to lead architecture, roadmap, and certification for deterministic airborne networks.

You will act as Design Technical Authority for ARINC 664/TSN networks, drive DO‑254/DO‑178C compliance, and guide engineering teams across programs while engaging with customers and cert authorities. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited college.
• Minimum of 12 years in avionics or safety‑critical systems design/architecture.
• Deep expertise in avionics networking incl. ARINC 664 Part 7 and TSN.
• Experience leading architecture and certification for DAL A hardware/software (DO‑254/DO‑178C).
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain architecture and technology roadmap for avionics networking (AFDX, TSN).
• Serve as Design Technical Authority for architecture decisions and baselines.
• Own certification approaches (ARPR4754A, DO‑254, DO‑178C DAL A, DO‑297).
• Provide technical authority on deterministic networking (ARINC 664 Part 7, TSN).
• Drive reuse across programs while aligning customer requirements.
• Lead architecture reviews, risk trades, and design/code reviews.
• Engage with customers, suppliers, and certification authorities; support business development.
• Mentor engineers and travel up to 15%.

Skills

Avionics networking

DTA / architecture leadership

Certification leadership

ARINC 664

TSN

MBSE tools

IBM DOORS

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

ARINC 664

TSN (IEEE 802.1AS/Qbv/Qci/CB)

Cameo/Teamwork Cloud

IBM DOORS

Job description

Job Description Summary

Help define the future of flight at GE Aerospace! As Principal Systems Architect - Avionics Networking, you will be the senior technical leader for GE Aerospace's avionics networking portfolio within the ION (Input/Output & Networking) organization. You will shape the architecture, technology roadmap, and certification approach for deterministic airborne networks supporting civil and military aircraft platforms.

You will serve as Design Technical Authority (DTA) for avionics networking products, governing architecture decisions, technical baselines, and the DO-254/DO-178C certification approach, so that our solutions are competitive, reusable across programs, and certifiable. Your decisions will set the technical direction for engineering teams and customers across the portfolio.

This position is based on-site in Grand Rapids, MI. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the architecture and technology roadmap for the avionics networking portfolio, including ARINC 664 (AFDX), Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), and related Ethernet-based avionics networks.
• Serve as Design Technical Authority (DTA), providing final technical decisions on architecture, requirements baselines, and design trades for avionics networking products.
• Own the certification approach for networking products (ARP4754A, DO-254, DO-178C DAL A, DO-297 as applicable), including hardware/software partitioning and engagement in SOIs, audits, and closure of findings.
• Provide deep technical authority on deterministic networking, including ARINC 664 Part 7 and TSN (IEEE 802.1AS/Qbv/Qci/CB), to guide protocol, hardware, and software design.
• Drive architecture reuse and commonality across programs while managing customer‑specific requirements in a disciplined, controlled way.
• Lead technical reviews, including architecture, requirements, design, and code reviews, and drive resolution of critical technical risks and trade studies.
• Partner with Engineering Project Managers, technical managers, and subject matter experts to align technical plans with schedule, cost, and resource commitments.
• Assist project and program leadership in resolving engineering issues related to design, validation, integration, verification, safety, certification, closure, and field support.
• Represent GE Aerospace avionics networking with customers, airframers, suppliers, and certification authorities. Support business development, RFP/RFI responses, and competitive positioning.
• Analyze market and technology trends, competitive offerings, and obsolescence drivers to inform the technology roadmap and IRAD priorities.
• Mentor senior engineers and subject matter experts, and build networking technical competency across the organization.
• Travel up to 15%.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, or another STEM field) from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in avionics or safety‑critical systems design, architecture, integration, or verification.
• Deep technical expertise in avionics networking, including ARINC 664 Part 7 (AFDX) and/or Time‑Sensitive Networking (TSN).
• Demonstrated experience leading technical architecture and certification for DAL A hardware and/or software programs (DO-254, DO-178C).
• This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

Desired Characteristics

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience as a Design Technical Authority, Chief Engineer, Principal Architect, or Lead Architect.
• Experience defining system architectures for reuse across multiple customers and aircraft programs.
• Experience with avionics networking hardware and software development, including FPGA‑based designs.
• Working knowledge of ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-297, and DO-160.
• Experience with integrated modular avionics (IMA) programs and customer engagement.
• Experience interfacing with certification authorities (FAA/EASA) or their designees.
• Familiarity with MBSE tools (Cameo/Teamwork Cloud) and requirements tools (IBM DOORS).
• Ability to influence without direct authority and build alignment across engineering, program, and business stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking with excellent communication and presentation skills for executive and customer audiences.

Compensation

The base pay range for this position is $130,000.00 - $173,000.00 USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 12/31/26.

Benefits

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits inc