Avionics Systems Architect, UAS Programs

About the role

We're looking for an Avionics Architecture Lead Engineer to own the end-to-end avionics system design for our autonomous aircraft. You will define the architecture, manage key avionics subcontractors, and ensure the system meets FAA certification requirements. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for a self-starter who can zoom from high-level architecture down into ICD details, test plans, and flight-test findings.

Responsibilities

• Own the avionics architecture.
• Define the end-to-end avionics system, including mission computers, navigation, communications, surveillance, and payload interfaces.
• Select network topologies (ARINC 664/AFDX, TSN Ethernet, ARINC 429, CAN, etc.) and define redundancy, partitioning, and data flows.
• Lead supplier & subcontractor integration.
• Serve as primary technical point of contact for avionics vendors and integrators.
• Drive SOWs, technical requirements, ICDs, and acceptance criteria.
• Review vendor designs, safety artifacts, and test results; hold them accountable to cost/schedule/technical performance.
• Ensure FAA airworthiness compliance.
• Architect the system in accordance with ARP 4754A/ARP 4761, DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, and applicable Part 23/25 guidance.
• Support System Safety in the development and maintenance system-level requirements, safety analyses (FHA, PSSA, SSA), and certification plans.
• Drive verification & validation.
• Develop system-level test plans, HIL/LRU integration plans, and test objectives.
• Work with test and flight teams to triage anomalies, root-cause issues, and feed fixes back into the architecture.
• Collaborate across the stack.
• Partner with Autonomy, GNC, Flight Controls, and Cyber teams to ensure avionics supports robust, resilient autonomous operations.
• Communicate clearly with leadership on risk, mitigations, and tradeoffs.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in avionics systems design and integration on certificated aircraft.
• Proven experience with FAA certification efforts, including hands-on work with some combination of: ARP 4754A / ARP 4761, DO-178C (software), DO-254 (hardware), DO-160 environmental testing, Part 23 or Part 25 certification projects.
• Strong systems engineering fundamentals: requirements development, ICDs, safety analysis, verification planning.
• Demonstrated experience integrating avionics LRUs, networks, and sensors in a lab or flight-test environment.
• Track record of leading and managing subcontractors or vendors—able to push back technically and keep them aligned to mission and schedule.
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting architecture and certification status to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders.
• U.S. Person, eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bonus Points: Experience with defense-focused avionics or mission systems (Link-16, SATCOM, tactical radios, radar, EO/IR, etc.).
• Prior work on UAS, optionally-piloted, or highly autonomous aircraft.
• Familiarity with GRA, MOSA, or SOSA standards and modular open-systems architectures.
• MBSE experience (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw) linking avionics design to the broader digital thread.
• FAA DER and/or E-UM Ticket in applicable Airworthiness Standards.

Skills

• Experience with defense-focused avionics or mission systems (Link-16, SATCOM, tactical radios, radar, EO/IR, etc.) is a bonus.
• Prior work on UAS, optionally-piloted, or highly autonomous aircraft is a plus.
• Familiarity with GRA, MOSA, or SOSA standards and modular open-systems architectures is beneficial.
• MBSE experience (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw) linking avionics design to the broader digital thread is advantageous.
• FAA DER and/or E-UM Ticket in applicable Airworthiness Standards is a plus.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $160,000 to $220,000 USD.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Unlimited PTO, with minimum of 15 days enforced.
• 20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well.
• Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses.
• In-Office Daily Lunch catered.
• Company-funded child care stipend.
• Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k).
• 6% employer matching contribution.

Pay

$160,000 to $220,000 USD

Schedule

N/A