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Contract Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Universal Avionics

Systems Eng 1

Duluth, GA · On-site

We are seeking an Avionics Systems Engineer 1 to join our Systems Engineering team in Duluth ... Georgia. This entry-level engineering role provides hands-on exposure to requirements development ...

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 ...

Universal Avionics

Systems Eng 3

Duluth, GA · On-site

At Universal Avionics, you will. We're looking for an experienced Systems Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working across disciplines, and contributing to innovative avionics ...

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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 - Flight Safety Systems (FTS / AFSS)

Avionics Systems Engineer - Flight Safety Systems (FTS / AFSS)

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$91K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
As an Avionics Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for owning the design, integration, testing, and certification of the Flight Termination System (FTS) hardware and software for advanced flight vehicles. You will work closely with cross-functional teams across avionics, electrical, mechanical, and ground systems engineering to ensure seamless system integration and compliance with range safety requirements. In this role, you will coordinate with regulatory authorities, manage system interfaces, and support overall vehicle readiness through development, testing, and flight operations. You will also serve as the technical authority for all Flight Termination System-related activities, ensuring system reliability, documentation, and mission success.
Responsibilities
  • Own the full life cycle of the Flight Termination System including design, build, test, integration, and flight
  • Own the top level system design of the FTS inclusive of mechanical and electrical hardware and CONOPs
  • Own the interfaces between the FTS and the vehicle inclusive of avionics, fluid, and structural interfaces
  • Own the FTS interface to the Flight Test Range, inclusive of communications, requirements tailoring, documentation, and high level strategy
  • Own the procurement of critical FTS components
  • Own the qualification and acceptance testing campaign planning and execution
  • Own high level integration planning
  • Own operational procedure creation to ensure the successful operation of the system in the field
  • Support Flight safety analysis that works hand in hand with the FTS to maintain safe flight operations
  • Collaborate with range safety to create review and approve FTS documentation and develop FTS requirements on future vehicles
  • Clear communication of system status to leadership and flight operations

Requirements
  • 5+ Years of aerospace high criticality hardware experience
  • A degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace engineering, Math, physics or related field
  • Experience in hardware design (electrical and/or mechanical)

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Prior experience with range safety and RCC-319
  • Experience with aircraft prototype development, including releasing hardware designs, writing and releasing work instructions, planning and executing test plans
  • Knowledge of RF system design including link budgets, antenna design, and antenna placement
  • Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams
  • Experience with test planning and execution
  • Knowledge of technical 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
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a high level of motivation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
  • Experience architecting avionics systems with COTS and in-house hardware
  • Experience with environmental testing such as vibration, thermal, and shock
  • Experience with government agencies
  • Experience with Autonomous Flight Safety Systems (AFSS)

$91,800 - $224,250 a year
Avionics Systems Engineer I $91,800-$112,200
Avionics Systems Engineer II $114,750-$140,250
Senior Avionics Systems Engineer $138,550-$187,450
Principal Avionics Systems Engineer $165,750-$224,250
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. § 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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