Remote Senior Aviation Systems Architect

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Learning opportunities

Home office allowance

Advanced tools access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Aviation Systems Architect for a fully remote, globally oriented role to define high‑level architectures for avionics, flight controls, navigation and communication. You will lead cross‑functional teams across continents to deliver safe, scalable platforms.

You must be proficient with SysML, DO‑178C/ARP4754, and possess 12+ years in aerospace systems engineering; a Master’s or PhD is required. This remote position offers autonomy and a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering field required.
• 12+ years in systems engineering and architecture within aviation/aerospace.
• Proven experience designing safety-critical aviation systems.
• Strong knowledge of DO-178C/ARP4754 and avionics subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Define and own high-level architecture for complex aviation systems.
• Develop system architectures including avionics, flight controls, and navigation.
• Create design specifications, interface control documents, and diagrams.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, mechanical, and testing teams virtually.
• Evaluate technologies and perform feasibility studies and risk analyses.
• Ensure architectures meet safety, reliability and performance requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship across global teams.
• Document architectural decisions and standards clearly.

Skills

SysML

Aviation systems

Systems engineering

Embedded software

Leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

Cameo

DOORS

SysML tooling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in innovative aerospace solutions, is seeking an exceptional, fully remote Senior Aviation Systems Architect. This critical role demands a visionary leader to design and define the architectural blueprints for our next-generation aviation platforms. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing complex systems, ensuring their integration, performance, and scalability across diverse aircraft applications. Working from your home office, you will collaborate with international teams, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex aerospace challenges. The ideal candidate possesses a deep and broad understanding of aviation systems, software architecture, hardware integration, and systems engineering principles. This is a remote-first position, emphasizing autonomy, exceptional communication, and the ability to drive complex projects without direct supervision. You will shape the future of aviation technology from anywhere in the world, with primary project alignment to our Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA based innovation center.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the high-level architecture for complex aviation systems, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develop system architectures that encompass avionics, flight controls, communication, navigation, and other critical aircraft functions.
• Create detailed system design specifications, interface control documents, and architectural diagrams.
• Collaborate virtually with cross-functional engineering teams (hardware, software, mechanical, testing) to ensure cohesive system design and integration.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, platforms, and tools for system development.
• Conduct feasibility studies, trade-off analyses, and technology assessments for proposed architectural solutions.
• Ensure that architectures meet stringent safety, reliability, and performance requirements (e.g., DO-178C, ARP4754).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams across the globe.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in aviation technology, systems engineering, and software architecture.
• Present architectural concepts and strategies to senior management and stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and mitigate architectural risks and dependencies.
• Document architectural decisions, rationale, and standards thoroughly.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in systems engineering and architecture within the aviation or aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated experience in designing complex, safety-critical aviation systems.
• Expertise in systems architecture frameworks, modeling languages (e.g., SysML), and tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS).
• In-depth knowledge of avionics subsystems, including flight control, navigation, communication, and sensor integration.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, real-time operating systems, and embedded systems.
• Familiarity with aviation standards and certification processes (e.g., DO-254, DO-178C).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding remote communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead and influence technical teams in a virtual environment.
• Self-motivated with a high degree of autonomy and proactive problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Contribution to retirement savings plans.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• Access to advanced simulation and design tools.
• Allowance for home office setup and internet expenses.