Principal Aviation Systems Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary package

Annual bonus & long-term incentives

Premium medical aid & retirement fund

Life insurance & generous leave

Training & conferences funding

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Aviation Systems Architect to lead the architectural vision for new aircraft systems and avionics in Cape Town. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams from concept to deployment, ensuring compliance with aviation standards and robust, scalable designs.

The role focuses on leadership across avionics, flight control, and mission systems, with a track record of delivering complex aerospace projects in a collaborative, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace or related field.
• 12+ years in systems engineering within aviation/aerospace.
• Experience architecting complex avionics or flight control systems.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace design principles and SysML.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain architectural vision for advanced aviation systems.
• Lead high-level requirements, interfaces, and system allocations.
• Oversee design and integration of avionics, comms, navigation, and control systems.
• Evaluate technologies, standards, and platforms for implementation.
• Mentor systems engineering teams and present solutions to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

SysML

Systems architecture

Aviation systems

Stakeholder management

System integration

V&V methodologies

Flight control systems

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace/Electrical/Computer Engineering

PhD in a related field

Tools

SysML Tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a globally recognized leader in aerospace technology, is actively seeking a Principal Aviation Systems Architect to join their esteemed engineering division in Cape Town, Western Cape . This critical leadership role will be responsible for defining the overarching architectural vision for new aircraft systems and avionics suites. You will guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams in translating complex operational needs into robust, scalable, and secure system designs. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in system architecture, deep knowledge of aviation standards, and a proven ability to lead complex technical initiatives from concept to deployment. This position is based full-time at our Cape Town facility, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment where innovation thrives. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace systems for commercial and defense applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the architectural vision and roadmap for advanced aviation systems and avionics.
• Define high-level system requirements, functional allocations, and interface definitions.
• Lead the design and integration of complex avionics, communication, navigation, and control systems.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, standards, and platforms for system implementation.
• Conduct architectural trade studies and analyses to ensure optimal system performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with program management, engineering leads, and stakeholders to align architectural decisions with project goals.
• Oversee system modeling, simulation, and prototyping efforts.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aviation standards (e.g., ARP4754A, DO-178C, DO-254).
• Mentor and guide systems engineering teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Present architectural concepts and technical solutions to internal teams and external customers.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of experience in systems engineering within the aviation or aerospace industry, with a significant focus on architecture.
• Demonstrated experience in architecting complex avionics systems, flight control systems, or integrated mission systems.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace system design principles, modeling languages (e.g., SysML), and tools.
• Expertise in key aviation domains such as communications, navigation, surveillance, and flight management systems.
• Strong understanding of safety-critical systems development processes and standards.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience with system integration, verification, and validation methodologies.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Cape Town, Western Cape .

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, complemented by a comprehensive annual bonus and long-term incentive plans.
• Full employee benefits include premium medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance.
• We provide an exceptional amount of paid annual leave, plus company holidays.
• Continuous learning is encouraged through generous funding for training, conferences, and further education.
• Join a highly innovative and respected organization that is at the forefront of aerospace advancement.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of aviation technology.