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Director Avionics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

Avionics Test Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$150K - $250K/yr

We are looking for Test Engineers to support the full test lifecycle for satellite avionics ... knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit ...

E-Space

Avionics Test Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$150K - $250K/yr

We are looking for Test Engineers to support the full test lifecycle for satellite avionics ... knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit ...

E-Space

Avionics Test Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

We are looking for Test Engineers to support the full test lifecycle for satellite avionics ... knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit ...

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Director Avionics Engineer information

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$49K

$111.3K

$169.5K

How much do director avionics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for director avionics engineer in the United States is $111,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers, including those in avionics, can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, or leadership roles such as senior engineer or manager. Salaries vary by industry, location, and employer, with top earners often working in defense, aerospace manufacturing, or research and development sectors. Certifications and specialized expertise can also contribute to higher compensation.

What is the difference between Director Avionics Engineer vs Senior Avionics Engineer?

AspectDirector Avionics EngineerSenior Avionics Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire avionics engineering teams, strategic planning, project managementDesigns, develops, tests avionics systems, technical problem-solving
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical/Avionics Engineering, extensive experience, leadership skillsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical/Avionics Engineering, several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in aerospace companies, managing teams and projectsTechnical roles in aerospace engineering teams, hands-on system development

The main difference is that the Director Avionics Engineer focuses on leadership, strategy, and team management, while the Senior Avionics Engineer concentrates on technical design and development. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the director position involves broader oversight and decision-making responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as aerospace, software, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. For example, senior avionics engineers or engineering directors in high-demand industries often reach or exceed this salary level due to their expertise and responsibilities.

Does an avionics engineer pay well?

Avionics engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills in designing and maintaining aircraft electronic systems. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the role generally offers above-average compensation compared to other engineering fields.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior-level avionics engineer or director of avionics engineering in the aerospace industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. Such high salaries often include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives and typically require advanced certifications and a strong track record in complex systems development.
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Director Avionics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Avionics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $111,304 per year, or $53.5 per hour.
Manager, Avionics Mechanical Engineer

Manager, Avionics Mechanical Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Manager, Avionics Mechanical Engineer
Department: Avionics
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Reporting To: Kevin Mikolaitis, Director of Avionics
Compensation: $140,000 - $190,000 / year
Description
We are seeking an experienced Manager to lead our team of mechanical engineers and own development of avionics mechanical hardware across multiple spacecraft platforms and vehicle configurations.
This role is responsible for the end-to-end leadership of mechanical development for electronics packaging, RF hardware, and optical systems operating in demanding space environments. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with organizational leadership, and can drive architecture decisions, qualification strategy, and interdisciplinary coordination in a fast-paced startup environment.
You will work directly with electrical engineering, vehicle engineering, propulsion, manufacturing, mission managers, and customers. You will have the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of spacecraft electronics development, from architecting new systems to building and operating them.
Responsibilities
  • Manage a team of mechanical engineers responsible for the for avionics hardware across multiple spacecraft programs and vehicle variants
  • Establish and standardize engineering reviews, design processes, documentation practices, and execution workflows
  • Lead mechanical and system trades involving mass, stiffness, thermal performance, manufacturability, maintainability, and qualification risk
  • Serve as the primary mechanical engineering authority within a highly interdisciplinary development environment acting as the technical backstop for your team when needed
  • Work closely with electrical engineering, RF engineering, optics, manufacturing, integration and test, vehicle engineering, GNC, thermal analysts, dynamics analysts, and harness design teams
  • Own mechanical qualification and acceptance strategies for avionics hardware
  • Oversee BOM structures, product configurations, and hardware release workflows
  • Create top level schedules, including product roadmaps, and staffing across multiple programs
  • Drive changes that make the system more efficient, manufacturable, and reliable

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 7+ years professional experience developing avionics, RF, optical, or spacecraft hardware for aerospace applications
  • Strong background in electronics packaging and mechanical integration for high-reliability environments
  • Experience owning hardware through full development lifecycle, including qualification and flight integration
  • Strong understanding of structural and thermal design considerations for aerospace electronics and precision hardware
  • Experience with environmental qualification and acceptance testing for aerospace systems
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts across multiple disciplines
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent hardware efforts and competing priorities
  • Strong communication, mentorship, and technical leadership skills

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
  • Experience with NX, Teamcenter, and/or ANSYS
  • Self-motivated with proven ability to lead a technical team and resolve critical issues
  • Experience developing new avionics hardware relevant to spacecraft or rockets and owning project schedules
  • Experience making architecture and technical risk decisions in fast-paced development environments
  • Experience scaling engineering processes and organizational maturity within a growing company

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by 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.

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