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Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Staff/ Senior Avionics Engineer About Electra At Electra, we're pioneering hybrid‑electric Ultra ... This role contributes to system architecture, performance, safety, and certification readiness ...

Translate system-level requirements into detailed avionics requirements, architectures, and interface definitions * Develop and maintain engineering artifacts such as: * Electrical schematics

Required: * Advanced degree in a technical or engineering field with 20 years of Systems Engineering experience related to avionics architectures * Experience leading a team to implement ...

Avionics Technician

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$24.40 - $42.55/hr

Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems * Install, route, upgrade, and repair wire harnesses * Install avionics equipment per engineering drawings while following wiring standards

This is a hands-on engineering position with a strong focus on electrical harness design, avionics integration, and electrical system development using Capital . You will work closely with a ...

Senior Avionics Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

This role is integral to transitioning complex avionics systems from schematics to flight-ready hardware and involves close collaboration with engineers and technicians. Responsibilities * Lead the ...

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Avionics Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.1K

$137.6K

$225.5K

How much do avionics systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for avionics systems engineer in Virginia is $137,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an avionics systems engineer do?

An Avionics Systems Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the electronic systems used in aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. These systems include navigation, communication, flight control, and monitoring equipment. Engineers ensure that avionics meet safety regulations, performance standards, and industry requirements. They work with multidisciplinary teams to integrate hardware and software, troubleshoot issues, and improve system reliability. Their role is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of modern aerospace vehicles.

What does a typical workday look like for an avionics systems engineer?

A typical day for an Avionics Systems Engineer involves a mix of designing, testing, and validating avionics subsystems, as well as collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers. You might participate in design reviews, troubleshoot integration issues, create documentation, and support laboratory or flight testing. The role often requires balancing hands-on technical work with meetings and coordination to ensure that all systems meet stringent industry standards. This dynamic environment offers a variety of challenges and opportunities to continuously learn and contribute to the safety and innovation of modern aircraft.

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

To thrive as an Avionics Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, experience with avionics hardware and software integration, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, or a related field. Proficiency with simulation tools (such as MATLAB/Simulink), avionics testing equipment, and familiarity with industry standards like DO-178C or ARINC protocols is highly valued, and certifications such as FAA DER or EASA can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills are crucial soft skills for this position. These competencies are vital because avionics systems engineers must ensure the reliability and safety of complex electronic systems in demanding, multidisciplinary environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Avionics Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Avionics Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Avionics Systems Engineer jobs in VA?

For Avionics Systems Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Avionics Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,586 per year, or $66.1 per hour.

Spacecraft Bus, Avionics & Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

SSI is seeking an Spacecraft Bus, Avionics & Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA.

We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

This role evaluates contractor bus design, subsystem trade studies, radiation- hardening strategies, flight software architecture, and environmental testing.

Role and Responsibilities include:

  • Provide the technical leadership and assessment for the ESS Program Office in the prime contractor delivery of the space vehicle in the area of Mechanical, Electrical, or Test.
  • Lead the trades for unit and subsystem designs if necessary, integration and testing into the spacecraft bus, payload, and space vehicle.
  • Ensure the technical design and interfaces within the space vehicle, along with the ground and terminal segments.
  • Support all component and unit test programs, including space qualification testing, ensuring survivability in the space environment. Develop test documentation, e.g., test plans and reports as necessary.
  • Support the space vehicle test program, ensuring survivability in the space environments. Develop test documentation, e.g., test plans and reports as necessary.
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with various government customer organizations, contractors, and FFRDC teammates.
Required Qualifications:
  • Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a Polygraph. 
  • Bachelor of Science in a technical field, such as engineering, mathematics, physics, software, or computer science.
  • 15 years’ experience with spacecraft bus or subsystems, or Master’s degree and 12 years’ experience.
  • Previous proven coordination experience.
  • Effective communication (both written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to perform in highly visible and stressful situations.
  • DOD or IC space experience preferred.
  • Space systems engineering experience desired at the unit, subsystem, spacecraft, or space vehicle levels.
  • Key Technical & Capability Requirements:
    • Radiation Hardening: Deep Understanding of Beyond Low Earth Orbit (BLEO) radiation environments, single-event effects (SEE/SEU), total ionizing dose (TID), and mitigation strategies for Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and Solar Particle Events (SPE).
    • Thermal & Environmental Controls: Evaluation of thermal architectures
      designed for extreme lunar eclipses, long thermal soak periods, and deep-space sinks (using thermal modeling tools like Thermal Desktop).
    • High-∆ v Propulsion: Technical oversight of liquid bipropellant, monopropellant, or high-power electric propulsion (EP) systems required for lunar orbit insertion and station keeping.
    • Avionics & Flight Software: Review of rad-hard FPGAs, power processing units (PPU), and flight software framework architectures (e.g., NASA, cFS, VxWorks, RTOS) featuring autonomous fault management.
    • SETA Oversight Duties: Leads technical review of contractor Assembly
      Integration & Test (AI&T) plans, Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) test matrices, and vendor verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM).
  • Requirement to work on site at LAAFB 100%. Remote work unavailable.
  • Approximately 10% travel within Southern California and CONUS, depending on prime contractor selection of unit suppliers.
Target salary range: $180,000 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution. 

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