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Contract Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Avionics Systems Engineer

California, MD

$80K - $120K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an Aviation / Avionics Systems Engineer to support NAVAIR ... Conduct technical review of vendor delivered Engineering Change Orders and Contract Data ...

SAIC

Avionics Systems Engineer

California, MD

$80K - $120K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an Aviation / Avionics Systems Engineer to support NAVAIR ... Conduct technical review of vendor delivered Engineering Change Orders and Contract Data ...

SpaceX

Avionics Systems Engineer (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

AVIONICS SYSTEMS ENGINEER (STARSHIP) As a Starship Avionics Systems & Operations Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a cross-functional team that bridges the gap between ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Avionics Systems Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

B.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field * 5+ years of experience in avionics hardware, including systems engineering, electrical design ...

K2 Space

Senior Avionics Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

... in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers - we're mass-producing the ... Serve as Responsible Engineer for Avionics system design, performance, and hardware across the ...

Blue Origin

Avionics Systems Engineer III

Seattle, WA

$130K - $182K/yr

B.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field * 5+ years of experience in avionics hardware, including systems engineering, electrical design ...

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Contract Avionics Systems Engineer information

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$43.5K

$138.8K

$227.5K

How much do contract avionics systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract avionics systems engineer in the United States is $138,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $158,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities are hiring for Contract Avionics Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Avionics Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Avionics Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Avionics Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Avionics Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Avionics Systems Engineer jobs include:
Contract Avionics Systems Engineer jobs near you
Avionics Systems Engineer

Avionics Systems Engineer

SAIC

California, MD

$80K - $120K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613399
Location: California, MD, US
Date Posted: 2026-06-05
Category: Engineering and Sciences
Subcategory: Systems Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: Interim_Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking an Aviation / Avionics Systems Engineer to support NAVAIR PMA-209 Tactical Communications
(TACCOM) / ARC-210 Radio with legacy and state-of-the-art Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Satellite
Communications engineering activities as well as the implementation of newer waveforms within onboard tactical radios. Provides Systems Engineering, Integration Support and Program Training. Performs Systems Engineering activities related to concept of operations formulation, requirements definition, analysis and engineering, system architecting, system analysis and design, interface and data architectures, validation and verification, systems integration, system op. performance analysis, Taskings include reviewing and development of systems test plans, system test reports, analysis of system documentation and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), technical white papers. Integration support for the ARC-210 radios on airborne platforms, and assist in training for Satellite Communications protocols, DAMA communications, Integrated Waveform (IW), Link 4A, Link 11, COMM Encryption, Have Quick, SINCGARS, aircraft bus control via 1533, Ethernet, Program Loader SET (PLS) and Simple Key Loader (SKL) loading.
Work with be performed onsite in California, MD and is therefore open to candidates local to the area only.
Job Duties:
  • Alternate COMSEC Manager of COMSEC account at the contractor facility. Provide hands-on training at the ARC-210 Training Laboratory. Provide Systems Engineering and Integration support to NAVAIR PMA-209.
  • Review technical documentation in support of the ARC-210 Radio. Meet with GOV, Industry clients to determine system requirements.
  • Monitor and resolve issues with manufacturing, production, and testing of the ARC-210 Radio equipment at government and contractor labs.
  • Provide TELCOM, email or in person support to customer concerns/issues.
  • Identify and resolve integration issues identified by the customer.
  • Conduct technical review of vendor delivered Engineering Change Orders and Contract Data Deliverables (CDRLs) for the ARC-210 radios.
  • Screen all ECO proposals for vulnerabilities and make recommendations to support informed decisions on ECO approval.
  • Offer engineering expertise specific to airborne communications systems and witness hardware, software, and environmental certifications testing conducted at OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) production facilities.
  • Perform self-inspections and investigations as required by government regulations and participate in customer audits and COMSEC inspections.
  • Maintain accountability for COMSEC items, documentation and conduct monthly destruction of expired COMSEC keys.

Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's and two (2) years or more experience OR associate degree in a related discipline and three (3) years of related experience; High school diploma and 4 years of Honorable Military/Aviation/Shipboard/Avionics experience can be used in lieu of degree requirement.
  • Position requires experience with legacy and Software Defined Radios (SDR) with Embedded Communication Security COMSEC) devices. To meet this requirement the incumbent needs a thorough understanding of VHF, UHF and SATCOM waveforms used in DoD aircrafts.
  • Must be able to interpret and work from schematics, drawings, manuals, handbooks, and technical specifications.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to interface with a variety of GOV, Contractors, and Industry personnel.
  • Must be able to assist in the formal and informal ARC-210 Training to a diverse audience such as operators and maintainers (Contractors, Military and GOV personnel).
  • Candidate must be a self-starter with a high degree of professionalism, dependability, and able to operate independently and in a team-oriented environment.
  • Must have operational experience in the use and maintenance of the ARC- 210 Family of Radios.
  • Familiarity with test and radio support equipment.
  • Experience as a COMSEC Custodian, Crypto Key Management, and EKMS key transfer practices. COMSEC Custodian course graduate (Will train).
  • Incumbent must possess verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present training covering ARC-210 operational capabilities.
  • with an active Secret clearance and have the ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance is required.

DESIRED SKILLS:
  • Extensive ARC-210 Radio Operation/Maintenance experience a plus.
  • Senior Navy, Marine Corps Officer/Enlisted Military Aviation/Avionics Technical experience a plus.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .

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