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Avionics Software Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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As Engineering Manager, Avionics Software, you'll take on a flagship leadership role: growing and developing a software engineering team, shaping development processes, and driving compliance with ...

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As Engineering Manager, Avionics Software, you'll take on a flagship leadership role: growing and developing a software engineering team, shaping development processes, and driving compliance with ...

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Basic Microsoft Office knowledge, computer software, and internet proficiency. * Experience with Garmin installations and avionics systems. * Excellent customer relations skills. Preferred ...

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Avionics Systems Engineer Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Contract Starting Pay: $60.00/hour ... Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar electrical design software. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office ...

Avionics Systems Engineer Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Contract Starting Pay: $60.00/hour ... Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar electrical design software. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office ...

Collaborate with cross-functional IPTs (systems, structures, propulsion, software) to ensure seamless system integration * Support supplier evaluation and technical oversight for avionics equipment

... software) to ensure seamless system integrationSupport supplier evaluation and technical oversight for avionics equipmentParticipate in design reviews (PDR/CDR) and support certification ...

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Avionics Software information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an avionics software engineer?

To thrive as an Avionics Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C/C++), a solid understanding of avionics systems, and typically a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), industry standards like DO-178C, and version control systems is commonly required, along with certifications in safety-critical software development. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of software that controls critical aircraft systems.

What is an avionics software engineer?

Avionics software engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the software systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. Their work ensures that navigation, communication, flight control, and other critical systems operate reliably and safely. They collaborate with hardware engineers and comply with strict industry regulations to guarantee the performance and safety of avionics systems. Avionics software engineers often use specialized programming languages and tools tailored to the aerospace industry.

What are some common challenges faced in an avionics software role, and how can they be addressed?

Avionics Software professionals often encounter challenges such as strict regulatory compliance, real-time system constraints, and ensuring the safety and reliability of their code. Working within rigorous development and testing processes, including DO-178C guidelines, can be demanding but is essential for aircraft certification. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and systems teams helps to address integration issues early. Staying organized, maintaining clear documentation, and participating in code reviews are all crucial strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Avionics Software vs Avionics Hardware Technician?

AspectAvionics SoftwareAvionics Hardware Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in software engineering, computer science, or related field; certifications like FAA Part 147 may be beneficialRequires technical diploma or associate degree; certifications such as FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, testing software systems in labs or office settingsMaintaining, repairing, installing hardware components in aircraft or maintenance facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on software development for avionics systems used in aircraftHandles physical hardware components used in avionics systems

In summary, Avionics Software professionals develop and test the software that controls aircraft systems, while Avionics Hardware Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing the physical hardware components. Both roles are essential in the avionics industry and often collaborate to ensure aircraft safety and functionality.

What job categories do people searching Avionics Software jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Avionics Software jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Avionics Software job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Manager, Avionics Software

CMC Electronics

Reston, VA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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Job description

As we build a new team in Reston, VA, we're looking for engineers and technologists ready to be pioneers in the application of emerging tools and techniques, maintaining the highest reliability demanded by aerospace while bringing forth new products and capabilities at a brisk pace.

This is an onsite position in our Reston, VA office location. To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorization from the U.S. Government.

Why join our team?

As Engineering Manager, Avionics Software, you'll take on a flagship leadership role: growing and developing a software engineering team, shaping development processes, and driving compliance with regulated avionics practices.

This role is built for an experienced avionics software leader with deep expertise in embedded software development and certification, particularly DO-178B/C and related airborne lifecycle standards. You'll work closely with Project Engineers, Chief Engineers, Program Management, and Quality/Compliance teams, giving you visibility and impact across the business.

Beyond day-to-day management, this is a genuine growth opportunity — build a team, sharpen your technical leadership, and see your work fly in certified avionics products trusted in demanding commercial and military aviation environments.

As an Engineering Manager, your key responsibilities include:

Software Team Leadership

  • Build, lead, and grow the avionics software engineering team at the Reston site.
  • Recruit, hire, coach, and retain high-performing engineers to meet current and future program needs.
  • Provide performance feedback, career development, and prioritization guidance.
  • Build technical depth through succession planning, cross-training, and targeted development.
  • Promote accountability, collaboration, and disciplined engineering execution.

DO-178 Software Capability and Certification Readiness

  • Strengthen the team's ability to execute compliant avionics software development under DO-178B/C and related certification standards.
  • Ensure work follows regulatory, airworthiness, quality, and company process requirements.
  • Partner with Quality and Compliance on process adherence, audit readiness, SOI reviews, and certification activities.
  • Coach staff on requirements, design, implementation, verification, traceability, configuration management, and change control.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to process, training, tooling, staffing, and certification readiness.

Resource Planning, Estimating, and Capability Management

  • Develop and maintain resource plans for the software engineering team.
  • Allocate resources across projects based on priorities and demand-versus-capacity tradeoffs.
  • Align staffing with Project Engineers and Program Management to support schedules, bids, proposals, and program commitments.
  • Contribute to, review, and approve engineering estimates, including personnel, tools, and materials.
  • Ground staffing plans and proposal inputs in realistic assumptions for certified avionics software work.

Engineering Process, Tools, and Cross-Functional Coordination

  • Maintain and improve engineering processes, tools, and standards used by the team.
  • Support effective use of development, verification, requirements, and configuration management tools.
  • Coordinate with Project Engineers, Chief Engineers, Program Management, and Quality/Compliance.
  • Represent the software engineering organization in planning, process, and modernization initiatives.
  • Drive practical improvements to quality, predictability, and productivity

How to excel in this role (job requirements):

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent; a Master's degree in a related discipline is an asset.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of software engineering experience in commercial and/or military avionics, aviation electronics, or comparable safety-critical embedded systems.
  • Significant embedded real-time software development experience — including requirements, design, implementation, verification, integration, debugging, configuration management, and change control — with sufficient depth to coach engineers, review plans and estimates, assess risks, and support problem resolution.
  • Experience leading, supervising, or managing software engineering teams, preferably in a regulated avionics or safety-critical environment.
  • Strong, practical experience with DO-178B/C airborne software development and certification lifecycles is required, including planning, traceability, quality assurance, and certification evidence expectations.
  • Experience supporting certification audits, SOI reviews, customer reviews, or airworthiness authority interactions.
  • Strong knowledge of airworthiness certification processes for military and/or commercial aircraft.
  • Experience contributing to estimates, resource plans, staffing plans, and proposal inputs for certified software development programs.

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What sets you apart (preferred qualifications):

  • Deep experience with DO-178C, especially DAL A or DAL B software development and verification, along with related supplements and standards such as DO-330, DO-331, DO-332, DO-333, DO-254, ARP4754A, and ARP4761.
  • Experience with Flight Management Systems, GNSS, navigation, cockpit avionics, mission avionics, or other certified airborne software products.
  • Experience with TSO-C115, DO-187 MOPS, or other aviation minimum performance standards. Experience with partitioned embedded real-time software, ARINC-653 compliant RTOS environments, and Integrated Modular Avionics concepts.
  • Familiarity with RTCA DO-297, FACE, open software platforms, ARINC-429, ARINC-664, and aircraft data network standards.
  • Experience building a team, standing up a new capability, or scaling an engineering organization.
  • Experience supporting civil and/or military certification programs through major milestones and customer reviews.

What we offer:

  • Fast paced environment with significant autonomy
  • ̈Start up ̈ work environment in a well-established organization
  • 401K Match Program
  • BCBS Medical, HSA with Company contribution, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance, commuter benefits, and education reimbursement
  • PTO Plan

At CMC, we pride ourselves on delivering a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and providing eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $150,000 - $200,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

CMC Electronics is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. CMC Electronics is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law ("Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/VEVRAA Federal Contractor”).

Company Description

CMC Electronics (CMC) has earned an international reputation for innovation and excellence in the design, manufacturing and support of electronic products for the aviation markets. CMC is focused on delivering innovative cockpit and avionics system integration solutions to commercial and military customers worldwide.

Its principal facilities are located in Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; Chicago, Illinois and our newest site in Reston, Virginia. CMC is a major supplier to the aerospace and high-technology industries, airlines, military agencies and government customers worldwide.