Director Avionics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Subject-Matter Expert (SME) Avionics Engineer – Active TS Clearance Required

Location: Onsite – Dayton, OH, US

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Opportunity:

Client, a 100% employee-owned aerospace engineering company, is looking for a highly experienced Avionics Engineering SME to support the Air Force’s Phalanx Griffon (PG) program. PG is an advanced, open-architecture airborne node designed to deliver decision-quality data to warfighters at the tactical edge.

This is a new and high-impact role that places you at the center of integrating mission-critical avionics systems across multiple platforms for Major Release 2 (FY 2025–2027). You’ll ensure technical integration, flight readiness, and digital-thread continuity for one of the Department of the Air Force’s most strategically significant airborne programs.

Key Responsibilities:Architecture & Design Authority

• Define integration of Nomad VPX hardware with platform data buses (MIL‑STD‑1553, ARINC‑429/664, Ethernet TSN) and mission computers.
• Develop ICDs, signal-flow diagrams, timing budgets, and alignment with OMS/UCI and cross-domain guard requirements.

Airworthiness & Certification

• Lead the creation of AF Form 1067s, flight-clearance packages (E-series), and safety-of-flight documentation.
• Support and oversee compliance with DO‑254 (hardware) and DO‑178C (software) standards.

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) & Digital Thread

• Model avionics systems in SysML/CAMEO and link to requirements, verifications, and part trees.
• Run configuration control boards and manage redlines and synchronized updates to digital artifacts.

Lab-to-Flight Integration

• Specify and verify harnesses, signal conditioning, and power interface implementations within the SIL.
• Diagnose and resolve EMI/EMC, signal timing, and protocol-related integration issues.

Flight-Test & Fielding Support

• Author test cards, telemetry plans, and IATT documentation.
• Serve as ground/flight avionics lead during developmental and operational test events, supporting real-time data analysis and anomaly troubleshooting.

Mentorship & Stakeholder Engagement

• Advise USAF Integrated Product Teams, SPOs, and OEMs while presenting tech readiness and risks to senior leadership (SES/GO level).
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on open-architecture avionics and secure DevSecOps practices.

Basic Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship and Active TS/SCI clearance are required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Avionics, or Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of avionics design, integration, flight test, and operational fielding experience on military aircraft.
• In-depth knowledge of MIL-STD‑1553, ARINC‑429/664, Ethernet (TSN/AFDX), VPX architectures, and avionics timing/sync.
• Demonstrated success with integrating Type‑1 cryptographic equipment, SATCOM, RF systems, and OMS/UCI or FACE-conformant components.
• Hands-on experience generating airworthiness documentation and leading DT/OT phases.
• Proficiency in avionics E‑CAD and MBSE tools (CAMEO/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Altium, OrCAD).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting programs like ABMS, CJADC2, or airborne C4ISR systems.
• Deep familiarity with DO-254, DO-178C, RCC 324/125‑15, and MIL‑STD‑461 (EMI/EMC).
• INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, Designated Engineering Representative (DER), or USAF TPS coursework.
• Knowledge of integrating SDNs, content-routing, and software-defined radios into legacy airframes.
• Agile/SAFe certification and understanding of classified DevSecOps environments (e.g., Platform One, Rancher).

Why Join Client?

• Employee-Owned Culture: As part of our team, you’re also an owner and shareholder.
• Trusted Legacy: Serving military and government sectors since 1977.
• Core Values: We are built on People, Quality and Integrity, and Profitable Growth.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work hours and a collaborative environment.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to lead, mentor, and shape the next generation of avionics engineers.
• Compensation: Includes annual performance reviews and eligibility for Bonus Incentive Plans (BIPs).

Additional Information:

• Relocation Available: No
• Sponsorship Available: No
• Equity: No (Employee-owned through ESOP)
• Variable Compensation: Yes – BIPs and annual performance reviews
• Direct Reports: No
• New Position: Yes