Subject-Matter Expert Avionics Engineer

VanderHouwen; Beavercreek (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing firm is seeking a Subject-Matter Expert Avionics Engineer for an onsite role in Beavercreek, Ohio. This position requires expertise in military avionics integration and flight test operations, focusing on real-time data integration for advanced airborne systems. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 20+ years of experience, and an active TS/SCI clearance. The role involves overseeing avionics system integration, developing key documentation, and providing mentorship to engineering staff as part of a next-generation program.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Short and long term disability

401k matching

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in military avionics integration.
• Expert in MIL-STD-1553, ARINC protocols, and Type 1 encryption.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagements.

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee avionics system integration across platforms.
• Develop technical documentation and author airworthiness reports.
• Lead configuration control and support flight test operations.

Skills

Military avionics integration

Flight test operations

Digital engineering

Technical documentation

Compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C

SysML modeling

Mentorship

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Avionics, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

CAMEO/MagicDraw

Rhapsody

Altium

OrCAD

Job description

Subject-Matter Expert Avionics Engineer
Our client is seeking a highly experienced Subject-Matter Expert (SME) Avionics Engineer to support a next-generation airborne architecture program designed to bring real-time data integration to the tactical edge. This role is ideal for a technical leader with a deep background in military avionics integration, digital engineering, and flight test operations. The position requires U.S. Citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance.

This role is onsite in Beavercreek, Ohio.

• Define and oversee avionics system integration across multiple aircraft platforms, including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429/664, Ethernet TSN, and mission computers.
• Develop technical documentation such as Interface Control Documents (ICDs), signal flow diagrams, and timing budgets aligned with open systems architecture standards.
• Author airworthiness documentation including safety assessments, AF Form 1067s, and E-series flight clearance packages.
• Ensure compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C certification processes as applicable.
• Create SysML models and manage digital thread consistency using MBSE tools.
• Lead configuration control efforts and synchronize system models with hardware and test documentation.
• Support hardware integration, EMI/EMC troubleshooting, and protocol validation in lab and flight test environments.
• Provide on-site flight test support including drafting test plans, monitoring telemetry, and resolving anomalies.
• Act as a technical advisor to internal teams and external stakeholders, including military program offices and OEM partners.
• Mentor engineering staff in avionics best practices, open architecture principles, and secure development workflows.

Subject-Matter Expert Avionics Engineer Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Avionics, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of experience in military avionics integration and flight test support for fixed-wing or rotary platforms.
• Expert-level understanding of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC protocols, Ethernet TSN/AFDX, and VPX-based systems.
• Proven track record integrating Type 1 encryption, RF/SATCOM systems, and open mission software frameworks (e.g., OMS/UCI, FACE, SOSA).
• Familiarity with tools such as CAMEO/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Altium, or OrCAD for MBSE and E-CAD workflows.
• Experience supporting full system lifecycle from architecture to operational deployment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including briefing senior leadership.
• U.S. Citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred:

• Background with ABMS, CJADC2, or airborne networking initiatives.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC standards and compliance (MIL-STD-461, RCC 324).
• INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, DER designation, or academic training from a test pilot school.
• Experience with software-defined radios, software-defined networking (SDN), and legacy avionics modernization.
• Familiarity with Agile/SAFe frameworks and DevSecOps environments (e.g., Platform One, Rancher).

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
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VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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