Senior Avionics Engineer — Hands-On Aircraft Systems Lead

Actalent; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 138,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Health Spending Account (HSA)

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent in Sterling, VA seeks an experienced Avionics Engineer to lead avionics/electrical system design, integration and testing for next-gen aircraft. Translate schematics to flight-ready hardware while collaborating with engineers and technicians in a hands-on lab environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Electrical/Aerospace, DC power distribution expertise, and data-bus knowledge (CAN/RS-485/ARINC-429). Independent work style and lab/flight-test support are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with electrical system design and schematic capture.
• Strong understanding of DC power distribution and circuit protection.
• Lead the completion of avionics and electrical system design, including electrical power systems and data systems.
• Familiarity with aircraft data buses (CAN, RS-485, ARINC-429, or similar).
• Experience troubleshooting electrical and system integration issues.
• Ability to work independently with high-level direction and self-manage tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the completion of avionics and electrical system design, including electrical power systems and data systems.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics and wiring harness designs.
• Perform electrical power distribution analysis, circuit sizing, and protection design.
• Conduct data bus architecture and signal integrity analysis.
• Develop vehicle integration and test activities.
• Serve as a technical liaison between engineering and technicians.
• Maintain harness drawings and implement redlines and engineering updates.
• Provide hands-on support for harness fabrication and system bring-up.
• Support sensor integration, data acquisition (DAQ), and debug.

Skills

Electrical design

Schematic capture

DC power distribution

CAN/RS-485/ARINC-429 data buses

Troubleshooting

Lab hands-on

Self-management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Capital Harness

IPC/WHMA-A-620

AS50881

Job description

Actalent in Sterling, VA seeks an experienced Avionics Engineer to lead avionics/electrical system design, integration and testing for next-gen aircraft. Translate schematics to flight-ready hardware while collaborating with engineers and technicians in a hands-on lab environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Electrical/Aerospace, DC power distribution expertise, and data-bus knowledge (CAN/RS-485/ARINC-429). Independent work style and lab/flight-test support are essential for success.