Principal Systems Engineer (System of Systems) | Integrated Systems Solutions

astronautics; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Astronautics seeks an Avionics Principal Systems Engineer to lead architecture, integration, and verification of avionics systems for major aircraft programs in the United States. You will guide cross-functional teams, define interfaces, allocate requirements, and oversee SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR design reviews while mentoring junior engineers.

The role requires deep knowledge of avionics architectures, regulatory guidelines, and safety processes, with on-site work at either Oak Creek, WI, or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience in avionics or complex aerospace systems.
• Experience with requirements management and change tracking tools such as DOORS, ADO, etc.
• Expertise with regulatory design guidelines; ARP4754B, DO-178B/C, DO-254, DO-160.
• Expertise in avionics architectures (IMA, federated systems, MIL-STD_1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 664, Ethernet).
• Experience with Safety Assessment process guidelines like ARP4761A.
• Experience with System Integration Labs.
• Understanding of airworthiness certification processes.
• Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship; open to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of top-level system architectures.
• Define Systems interfaces across avionics components and external systems
• Develop, allocate and manage system level requirements down to the subsystem levels
• Ensure traceability using tools (DOORs) from mission needs through verification activities
• Define and oversee integration strategies across multiple avionics systems
• Lead system integration troubleshooting activities
• Define verification methods (analysis, test, inspection, demonstration)
• Lead system-level test planning and execution on a System Integration Lab and on aircraft
• Contribute to the preparation and conducting of design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)
• Mentor junior system engineers
• Drive alignment across stakeholders including customers, suppliers, contractors and internal teams.
• Support system safety assessments (FHA, FTA, FMEA, SSA)
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Interface with customers and participate in technical reviews

Skills

Systems engineering

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

DOORS

ADO

MBSE tools (Cameo, MagicDraw)

Job description

What You Will Do:

We are seeking an Avionics Principal Systems Engineer! In this exciting role, you will lead avionics system architecture, design, implementation, lab/aircraft integration, testing and verification of an Avionics integrated system solution program. Examples of programs include large-scale avionics modernization of C-130 aircraft, or avionics system design and implementation for a one-of-a-kind new aircraft in development.

In this role, you will define avionics system architectures, guide cross-functional engineering teams, and drive key technical decisions across avionics subsystems, including cockpit displays and controls, flight management, navigation and GPS sensors, radio navigation, communication radios, audio, surveillance subsystems, and autopilot integration.

This is an on-site position with flexibility and can be based at either our Headquarters in Oak Creek, WI, or our engineering facility in Phoenix, AZ. This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, Systems Engineering.

How You Will Do it:

• Lead development of top-level system architectures.
• Define Systems interfaces across avionics components and external systems
• Develop, allocate and manage system level requirements down to the subsystem levels
• Ensure traceability using tools (DOORs) from mission needs through verification activities
• Define and oversee integration strategies across multiple avionics systems
• Lead system integration troubleshooting activities
• Define verification methods (analysis, test, inspection, demonstration)
• Lead system-level test planning and execution on a System Integration Lab and on aircraft
• Contribute to the preparation and conducting of design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)
• Mentor junior system engineers
• Drive alignment across stakeholders including customers, suppliers, contractors and internal teams.
• Support system safety assessments (FHA, FTA, FMEA, SSA)
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Interface with customers and participate in technical reviews

What We Look For:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, Systems) another related technical field from an accredited institution
• Minimum 10 years of systems engineering experience in avionics or complex aerospace systems
• Demonstrated experience with systems integration
• Experience with requirements management and change tracking tools such as DOORS, ADO, etc.
• Expertise with regulatory design guidelines; examples including ARP4754B, DO-178B/C, DO-254, DO-160.
• Expertise in avionics architectures (IMA, federated systems, data buses like MIL-STD_1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 664, and Ethernet).
• Experience with Safety Assessment process guidelines like ARP4761A
• Experience with System Integration Labs
• Understanding of airworthiness certification processes
• Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience working with customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities
• Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Open to occasional travel as needed.

Desired

• Master’s degree in system, electrical, software, computer engineering or another relevant related technical discipline.
• Background in cybersecurity for avionics systems
• Proficiency in MBSE tools (Cameo, MagicDraw)

Who We Are:

We are a team that designs computers, displays and electronic systems for aircraft of the future! In addition, we design, install, and certify fully integrated avionics systems for aircraft, encompassing navigation, communication, and flight control technologies. Our solutions ensure seamless system performance while meeting the highest aviation safety and regulatory standards. At Astronautics, you will be part of a creative group of professionals who work on the cutting-edge of technology. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and the opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Astronautics, headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of secure avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. Key product areas include electronic primary flight and engine displays, connected aircraft and cyber solutions, electronic flight bags, and certified servers for airborne applications. Services include full avionics system integration and custom software for critical applications. Since its founding in 1959, Astronautics has been providing trusted, reliable, and tailored solutions to help customers achieve mission success. Astronautics is the parent company of Kearfott Corporation, headquartered in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.