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Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Electra

Staff/ Senior Avionics Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

Translate system-level requirements into detailed avionics requirements, architectures, and interface definitions * Develop and maintain engineering artifacts such as: * Electrical schematics

CSG

Avionics Specialist

Sterling, VA · On-site

This is a hands-on engineering position with a strong focus on electrical harness design, avionics integration, and electrical system development using Capital . You will work closely with a ...

dynamicaviation

Avionics Technician

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$24.40 - $42.55/hr

Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems * Install, route, upgrade, and repair wire harnesses * Install avionics equipment per engineering drawings while following wiring standards

Integral

SME/Sr System Engineer

Fort Eustis, VA · On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Required: * Advanced degree in a technical or engineering field with 20 years of Systems Engineering experience related to avionics architectures * Experience leading a team to implement ...

Dynamic Aviation

Avionics Technician

Bridgewater, VA · On-site

$24.40 - $42.55/hr

Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems * Install, route, upgrade, and repair wire harnesses * Install avionics equipment per engineering drawings while following wiring standards

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Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer information

What is a freelance avionics systems engineer?

Freelance avionics systems engineers are independent professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain the electronic systems used in aircraft, such as navigation, communication, and flight control systems. They work on a contract or project basis rather than as full-time employees, offering their specialized expertise to aerospace companies, airlines, or government agencies. These engineers often collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure avionics systems meet regulatory standards and operational requirements, and they may work remotely or on-site depending on project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance avionics systems engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, avionics integration, and aerospace standards, typically supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, DO-178C certification processes, and avionics testing equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you deliver solutions and collaborate effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of avionics systems in a dynamic, project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance avionics systems engineers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance avionics systems engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new project environments, ensuring compliance with strict aviation regulations, and maintaining effective communication across distributed teams. Managing these challenges typically involves staying up to date with industry standards (such as DO-178C and ARP4754A), leveraging strong project management skills, and using collaboration tools to coordinate with clients and multidisciplinary teams remotely. Building a robust professional network and maintaining clear documentation can also help ensure project continuity and client satisfaction.

What is the difference between Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer vs Aerospace Electronics Technician?

AspectFreelance Avionics Systems EngineerAerospace Electronics Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like FAA or EASAAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electronics or related field, certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and consulting for aerospace projects, often freelance or contract-basedMaintenance, repair, and testing of aerospace electronic systems, typically in repair facilities or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageConsultants, aerospace companies, defense contractorsAirlines, maintenance organizations, aerospace manufacturing

The Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer focuses on designing and developing avionics systems on a contract basis, requiring advanced engineering credentials. In contrast, the Aerospace Electronics Technician primarily performs maintenance and repairs, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in the aerospace industry but differ in responsibilities, work environment, and required qualifications.

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

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

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For Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer job openings:

Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer jobs near you

Spacecraft Bus, Avionics & Systems Engineer

Space Systems Integration

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

SSI is seeking an Spacecraft Bus, Avionics & Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA.

We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

This role evaluates contractor bus design, subsystem trade studies, radiation- hardening strategies, flight software architecture, and environmental testing.

Role and Responsibilities include:

  • Provide the technical leadership and assessment for the ESS Program Office in the prime contractor delivery of the space vehicle in the area of Mechanical, Electrical, or Test.
  • Lead the trades for unit and subsystem designs if necessary, integration and testing into the spacecraft bus, payload, and space vehicle.
  • Ensure the technical design and interfaces within the space vehicle, along with the ground and terminal segments.
  • Support all component and unit test programs, including space qualification testing, ensuring survivability in the space environment. Develop test documentation, e.g., test plans and reports as necessary.
  • Support the space vehicle test program, ensuring survivability in the space environments. Develop test documentation, e.g., test plans and reports as necessary.
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with various government customer organizations, contractors, and FFRDC teammates.
Required Qualifications:
  • Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain a Polygraph. 
  • Bachelor of Science in a technical field, such as engineering, mathematics, physics, software, or computer science.
  • 15 years’ experience with spacecraft bus or subsystems, or Master’s degree and 12 years’ experience.
  • Previous proven coordination experience.
  • Effective communication (both written and oral), and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to perform in highly visible and stressful situations.
  • DOD or IC space experience preferred.
  • Space systems engineering experience desired at the unit, subsystem, spacecraft, or space vehicle levels.
  • Key Technical & Capability Requirements:
    • Radiation Hardening: Deep Understanding of Beyond Low Earth Orbit (BLEO) radiation environments, single-event effects (SEE/SEU), total ionizing dose (TID), and mitigation strategies for Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and Solar Particle Events (SPE).
    • Thermal & Environmental Controls: Evaluation of thermal architectures
      designed for extreme lunar eclipses, long thermal soak periods, and deep-space sinks (using thermal modeling tools like Thermal Desktop).
    • High-∆ v Propulsion: Technical oversight of liquid bipropellant, monopropellant, or high-power electric propulsion (EP) systems required for lunar orbit insertion and station keeping.
    • Avionics & Flight Software: Review of rad-hard FPGAs, power processing units (PPU), and flight software framework architectures (e.g., NASA, cFS, VxWorks, RTOS) featuring autonomous fault management.
    • SETA Oversight Duties: Leads technical review of contractor Assembly
      Integration & Test (AI&T) plans, Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) test matrices, and vendor verification cross-reference matrices (VCRM).
  • Requirement to work on site at LAAFB 100%. Remote work unavailable.
  • Approximately 10% travel within Southern California and CONUS, depending on prime contractor selection of unit suppliers.
Target salary range: $180,000 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors. We offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution. 

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