Senior Avionics Engineer

Venusaero; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits (dental & vision)

Flex-Friday schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Venus Aerospace seeks a Sr. Avionics Engineer to lead avionics hardware design and system integration for next‑gen aerospace vehicles.

You will own flight computer architecture, sensors, power systems, and communications interfaces, guiding hardware-in-the-loop testing and verification from architecture through flight test support. You will define interfaces, collaborate with external vendors, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring compliance with aerospace standards and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace electrical systems engineering.
• Experience with flight computer hardware design and/or selection.
• Strong background in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integration.
• Experience defining interfaces between flight components (e.g., flight computers, sensors, actuators).
• Proficiency reading and creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface documentation.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards: DO-160, DO-254, DO-178; embedded buses (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet).

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and selection of avionics hardware.
• Define interfaces between flight components (flight computers, sensors, actuators, power systems).
• Develop and maintain HIL test environments for software development, integration, and verification.
• Perform battery sizing and power system analysis including margins and thermal considerations.
• Support system integration, ground testing, and flight testing; troubleshoot root causes.
• Collaborate with vendors to define requirements and manage supplier evaluations.
• Create and review technical documentation (requirements, ICDs, schematics, test plans).
• Ensure avionics designs meet aerospace standards, reliability, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across avionics teams.
• Coordinate with GN&C, Aerodynamics, and Structures to meet program needs.
• Experience with flight test campaigns and environmental testing.

Skills

Flight computer hardware design

HIL testing

Power systems & battery sizing

System architecture & integration

Vendor and supplier management

DO-160/DO-178/DO-254 familiarity

Embedded systems (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C,

Technical leadership & mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Schematic drafting

Job description

Who We Are

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high‑speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role

Sr. Avionics Engineer. Join us as an Avionics Engineer and help build the next generation of high‑performance aerospace vehicles. You’ll lead the design and integration of flight computers, sensors, power systems, and communication interfaces; owning everything from architecture to flight test support. This role blends hands‑on engineering, hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration to deliver reliable, flight‑ready systems. If you excel at systems thinking, solving hard problems, and driving technical leadership, you’ll thrive here.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Lead the architecture, design, and selection of avionics hardware, including flight computers, sensors, power systems, and communication interfaces.
• Define and implement interfaces between flight components (e.g., flight computers, sensors, actuators, power systems, radios).
• Develop and maintain hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) test environments to support software development, integration, and verification.
• Own battery sizing and power system analysis, including load analysis, margins, thermal considerations, and mission profiles.
• Support system integration, ground testing, and flight testing, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to define requirements, evaluate components, manage technical trade studies, and support procurement.
• Author and review technical documentation, including requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), schematics, test plans, and verification reports.
• Ensure avionics designs meet aerospace standards, reliability, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across avionics and flight systems teams.
• Collaborate with GN&C, Aerodynamics, and Structures engineering disciplines to ascertain system requirements and meet technical program needs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace electrical systems engineering.
• Proven experience with flight computer hardware design and/or selection.
• Strong background in hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing and integration.
• Hands‑on experience defining and implementing interfaces between flight components.
• Demonstrated experience with battery sizing, power budgets, and power system design.
• Experience working with outside vendors, including technical evaluations and supplier coordination.
• Proficiency reading and creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and systems‑level thinking skills.
• Key Competencies: systems‑level avionics expertise; cross‑functional collaboration; vendor and supplier management; technical leadership and mentorship; clear technical communication.
• Experience with DO‑160, DO‑254, DO‑178, or similar aerospace standards.
• Familiarity with embedded systems, buses and protocols (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, MIL‑STD‑1553, etc.).
• Experience supporting flight test campaigns.
• Background in UAV, space systems, eVTOL, missiles, launch vehicles, or experimental aircraft.
• Experience with environmental testing (vibration, thermal, EMI/EMC).

Location

On‑site in Houston, TX.

Benefits

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex‑Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call 281‑203‑0027. Email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.