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Avionics Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis * Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems * Demonstrate honesty ...

Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis * Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems * Demonstrate honesty ...

Communicate with the Chief Engineer of Avionics to address avionics needs such as training, test equipment upgrades, avionics-specific processes, etc. * Management of direct reports (1:1s, reviews ...

Zone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation ... Expert-level proficiency with on board Avionics, Navigation, Communications * Experience with path ...

Deputy Chief Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$185K - $310K/yr

Drive technical integration across disciplines, avionics, structures, thermal, propulsion, and GNC ... Support the Chief Engineer and Program Manager in balancing technical, schedule, and cost trade ...

LWI Chief Engineer - Aerospace/RF Department/Location: Engineering /Oklahoma City, OK 73103 ... Drive integration across avionics, mission systems, mechanical, electrical, software, and specialty ...

Communicate with the Chief Engineer of Avionics to address avionics needs such as training, test equipment upgrades, avionics-specific processes, etc. * Management of direct reports (1:1s, reviews ...

Chief Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Zone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation ... Expert-level proficiency with on board Avionics, Navigation, Communications * Experience with path ...

Chief Engineer

Fort Walton Beach, FL · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Zone 5 is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and integration of next-generation ... Expert-level proficiency with on board Avionics, Navigation, Communications * Experience with path ...

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle-from ... GNC * Avionics & software * Thermal & TPS * Mission & flight systems * Chair technical reviews ...

Chief Engineer, Vehicle

Longmont, CO · On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ... GNC * Avionics & software * Thermal & TPS * Mission & flight systems * Chair technical reviews ...

Chief Engineer, Vehicle

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle-from ... GNC * Avionics & software * Thermal & TPS * Mission & flight systems * Chair technical reviews ...

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ... GNC * Avionics & software * Thermal & TPS * Mission & flight systems * Chair technical reviews ...

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ... GNC * Avionics & software * Thermal & TPS * Mission & flight systems * Chair technical reviews ...

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Avionics Chief Engineer information

See salary details

$49K

$111.3K

$169.5K

How much do avionics chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for avionics chief engineer in the United States is $111,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by an Avionics Chief Engineer when leading multidisciplinary teams?

As an Avionics Chief Engineer, one of the primary challenges is ensuring seamless communication between avionics specialists, software engineers, systems engineers, and other departments. Balancing technical requirements with project timelines and budget constraints often requires proactive problem-solving and negotiation skills. Additionally, staying current with evolving regulations and integrating new technologies can be demanding but is essential for successful project delivery. Building strong collaborative relationships and fostering a culture of innovation within the team are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Avionics Chief Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Avionics Chief Engineer, you need deep expertise in avionics systems, electrical engineering, and project management, typically supported by a degree in electrical, electronics, or aerospace engineering and relevant work experience. Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, CAD software, and certifications such as FAA DER or equivalent are often required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and ensure successful integration and troubleshooting of complex systems. These skills and qualifications are critical for delivering safe, reliable, and innovative avionics solutions in a highly regulated and technologically advanced field.

What is the difference between Avionics Chief Engineer vs Avionics Systems Engineer?

AspectAvionics Chief EngineerAvionics Systems Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in avionics, leadership experienceEngineering degree, specialized in avionics systems, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees entire avionics projects, manages teams, interacts with stakeholdersDesigns and develops avionics systems, collaborates with engineers and suppliers
Industry UsageUsed in senior project management, system integration, and oversight rolesFocused on technical development, system design, and testing

The Avionics Chief Engineer typically holds a leadership role overseeing avionics projects and teams, requiring broader experience and certifications. In contrast, the Avionics Systems Engineer concentrates on designing and developing specific avionics systems. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are Avionics Chief Engineers?

Avionics Chief Engineers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the design, development, integration, and maintenance of electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. They lead multidisciplinary teams to ensure avionics systems such as navigation, communication, and flight control meet regulatory standards and operational requirements. Their role involves project management, technical leadership, safety compliance, and often direct collaboration with clients and regulatory agencies. Avionics Chief Engineers play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and safety of modern aviation technology.
Infographic showing various Avionics Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,304 per year, or $53.5 per hour.
Lead AFSS Avionics Engineer

Lead AFSS Avionics Engineer

Stratolaunch

Mojave, CA

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr, Staff, or Principal level Avionics Engineer with emphasis in Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) and Flight Termination Systems (FTS) to lead continued technical development of air-launched hypersonic aircraft.  This position will also support the efforts to design, integrate, and test the AFSS in accordance with RCC-319 and RCC-324. Additionally, this position will include working with range safety personnel to coordinate review and approval of various AFSS documents. You must be comfortable with component/system development and integration.  Candidates must have an aerospace development background and relevant experience in aerospace systems integration.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the development, implementation, and subsystem-level testing of the AFSS and FTS
  • Collaborate with range safety to review and approve AFSS and FTS documentation
  • Support design, procurement, and build of AFSS Hardware in the Loop
  • Contribute to flight test planning for integrated (carrier aircraft + pylon + hypersonic vehicle) Stratolaunch missions
  • Collaborate with range safety personnel to develop AFSS and FTS technical requirements
  • Contribute to coordination of range testing
  • Support design reviews throughout vehicle system development
  • Evaluate and determine risks and risk mitigation plans
  • Regular and comprehensive communication to the Avionics Chief Engineer and FTS/AFSS PM on a weekly and monthly basis
  • Contribute to the integration of complex aerospace systems
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of, and experience with, one or more of these disciplines: electrical engineering, aircraft and/or launch vehicle integration
  • Experience with FTS and/or AFSS (receivers, batteries, safe and arm devices, ordnance, initiators)
  • Experience architecting avionics system design with COTS or in-house hardware
  • Experience working with and tailoring RCC-319 & RCC-324 requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior engineers
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing technical project milestones
  • Experience with test planning and execution
  • Experience with risk management
  • Ability to communicate technical challenges and guidance to varied audiences to explain rationale and/or resolve concerns
  • Ability to work on their own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance

 

Required Computer Skills:

  • Engineering programming tools (Matlab or equivalent)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Configuration management systems (Git, Bitbucket, JIRA, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing and certifying safety-critical flight software (DO-178 or equivalent)
  • Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
  • Knowledge of debris catalogs and how they're used for breakup analysis
  • Experience developing environmental test specifications
  • Experience with max predicted environment instrumentation (accelerometers, thermocouples)
  • Engineering with computing languages & tools (C, C++, AGI STK, HFSS)
  • Experience with government agencies
  • Experience with air-launch programs
  • Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing Engineering definition and developing work instructions
  • Security clearance
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Sr Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Principal Level ($181,000-$237,200): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 20-25 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • Position based in Mojave, CA
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department.  Travel estimated to be <10%
  • #LIOnsite