Senior Aviation Software Architect (Remote)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High salary + bonuses

Full remote work

Health, dental, vision insurance

Conferences & learning opportunities

Paid time off & holidays

Career growth prospects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Aviation Software Architect to lead the design and development of complex software systems for aircraft applications. This remote role defines architectural vision, standards, and development practices for mission-critical aviation software.

You will collaborate with systems and hardware engineers, ensure DO-178C compliance, and guide teams in embedded, RTOS-based development. Strong leadership and remote collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS/SE or aerospace engineering.
• Minimum 10 years in software, with 5+ in an architectural role.
• Proven embedded/RTOS design experience for avionics.
• Strong knowledge of safety-critical software standards.
• Experience with ARINC 429 or MIL-STD-1553 is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define architectural blueprint for aviation software systems.
• Lead design for avionics, flight control, and critical applications.
• Establish and enforce software standards, practices, patterns.
• Collaborate with systems/hardware engineers and PMs to define requirements.
• Evaluate and select technologies, frameworks, tools.
• Oversee implementation adhering to guidelines and performance.
• Conduct code reviews, architecture assessments, performance tuning.
• Mentor and guide teams, promote technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with aviation safety standards (DO-178C).
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in remote development.

Skills

Architectural leadership

Embedded systems

RTOS expertise

Aerospace software

Remote leadership

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, Software/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ARINC 429

MIL-STD-1553

DO-178C familiarity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in aerospace innovation, is seeking an exceptional Senior Aviation Software Architect to lead the design and development of complex software systems for aircraft applications. This role operates on a fully remote basis, offering the flexibility to contribute from anywhere. You will be responsible for defining the architectural vision, technical standards, and development practices for mission-critical aviation software. This is a unique opportunity to shape the software foundation of cutting-edge aviation technologies, ensuring scalability, reliability, and adherence to the highest safety standards in a remote-first environment. We are looking for a visionary leader with a deep understanding of embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and the stringent requirements of aerospace software development.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the architectural blueprint for aviation software systems, ensuring robustness and scalability.
• Lead the design and development of software components for avionics, flight control, and other critical aviation applications.
• Establish and enforce software development standards, coding practices, and design patterns.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and project managers to define software requirements.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for software development.
• Oversee the implementation of software, ensuring adherence to architectural guidelines and performance objectives.
• Conduct code reviews, architectural assessments, and performance tuning to optimize software quality.
• Mentor and guide software development teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with aviation software safety standards (e.g., DO-178C) and best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software issues in a remote development setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in an architectural role within the aviation or aerospace industry.
• Proven expertise in designing and developing embedded systems and real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles, design patterns, and architectural styles.
• In-depth knowledge of programming languages commonly used in aviation (e.g., C, C++, Ada).
• Experience with safety-critical software development and relevant standards like DO-178C.
• Familiarity with communication protocols used in aviation (e.g., ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing technical decisions remotely.
• Proven ability to work autonomously and manage complex projects in a distributed team environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Full remote work flexibility with excellent benefits.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending industry conferences.
• Involvement in groundbreaking aviation software projects that shape the future of flight.
• A supportive and innovative remote work culture.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Strong career growth prospects within a leading aerospace organization.