1

Contract Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs in Washington

Principal Systems Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$130K - $176K/yr

... and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global ... development contract including systems/hardware integration and troubleshooting DOD Secret ...

SHINE Systems is looking for a Systems Engineer to join our team. Key Responsibilities 25% local ... Determination: The final salary offered will be based on the awarded contract funding and the ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Avionics Systems Engineer information

What does a contract avionics systems engineer do?

A Contract Avionics Systems Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft, such as navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Working on a contract basis, they typically join projects for a specific duration to provide expertise in integrating complex avionics systems or solving technical challenges. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and troubleshooting system issues to ensure safety and performance standards are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract avionics systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Avionics Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, avionics systems design, and relevant industry standards, usually supported by a degree in engineering and experience in aerospace projects. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB/Simulink, DO-178C/DO-254 compliance, and systems integration or testing platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring reliable, safe, and compliant avionics systems in complex aerospace environments.

What is the difference between Contract Avionics Systems Engineer vs Contract Avionics Design Engineer?

AspectContract Avionics Systems EngineerContract Avionics Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering; certifications like INCOSE or FAA preferredBachelor's or higher in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-disciplinary teams on system integration and testingFocuses on designing and developing avionics components and subsystems
Industry UsageUsed across aerospace companies, defense contractors, and government agenciesPrimarily employed in aerospace and defense industries for component development

While both roles require engineering expertise and similar credentials, the Contract Avionics Systems Engineer focuses on integrating and testing entire avionics systems, whereas the Contract Avionics Design Engineer specializes in creating and developing specific avionics components. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right role for your skills and career goals.

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Avionics Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Contract Avionics Systems Engineer job openings:

Principal Systems Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Germantown, MD • On-site

$130K - $176K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114318
DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.
Job Responsibilities
  • Responsible for driving technology and completion of activity on time and budget
  • Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems
  • Ability to complete a technical project independently and mentor and coach other engineers. Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable
  • Provide budget, cost and schedule input for design assignments
  • Document component and subsystem specifications and material requirements
  • Analyze designs as necessary
  • Specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems and services
  • Support the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements
  • Develop prototypes to retire key development risks
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
  • Participates heavily in preparation of the more complex and significant proposals
  • Provides technical expertise and assistance to other engineers and support personnel
  • Interact with technical management, other professionals, technicians and support personnel to coordinate, recommend and confer regarding technical activities and progress
  • May mentor and coach the work of others as assigned
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
  • Mentor and coach less experienced engineers
  • Involved with the analysis, design, development and implementation of new and/or existing systems/sub-systems. May include Architectural Design, Requirements Engineering, or others. Determines system specifications. Supports acquisition of hardware and software (or subcontractor services as needed).

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience and a minimum of 8 years of integration engineering experience on a development contract including systems/hardware integration and troubleshooting
DOD Secret clearance or ability to obtain a clearance
Competent technical expertise and application domain knowledge
Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills and the ability to independently execute work tasks in a rapidly changing, fast-paced environment.
Strong written, communication, and presentation skills
Experience supporting DoD customers and processes
Preferred Qualifications
Experience or familiarity with various analytical and decisions aid tools (e.g. Cameo, MatLab, STK, etc.)
Experience with the DoD architectural framework and design guidance for radar systems and systems engineering processes
Ability to effectively collaborate with industry and academic partners
Excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to effectively communicate to senior leadership within the company, customer and academic communities
Prior experience integrating complex hardware/software systems
Prior experience operating radar systems
Strong analysis skills and abilities
U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
The expected pay scale for this position is $130,801 - $176,581.00/year. Should the level, location, or scope of the position change during the hiring process, the pay scale may be modified accordingly. When extending an offer of employment, Leonardo DRS considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position; any Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, the candidate's relevant work experience, education/training, certifications, and key skills; internal equity; and market and business considerations.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

What Leonardo DRS employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom