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Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

As an Avionics Systems Engineer III, you will be responsible for both the technical definition of avionics systems and the programmatic execution required to deliver them. You will develop and manage ...

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Avionics Systems Engineer

California, MD · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As an Avionics Systems Engineer III, you will be responsible for both the technical definition of avionics systems and the programmatic execution required to deliver them. You will develop and manage ...

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Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer information

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$43.5K

$138.8K

$227.5K

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance 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 are freelance avionics systems engineers?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer jobs
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Infographic showing various Freelance Avionics Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,776 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Spacecraft Avionics Systems Engineer

Firefly Aerospace

Cedar Park, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARY

A Firefly Avionics Systems engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of avionics systems on our spacecraft. In this role, you develop the avionics systems, requirements verifications, and component/system level test campaigns. You also help developed and design the HIL system in order to verify functionality before spacecraft integration, interfacing with software, mechanical, propulsion, fluids, and structures teams to ensure the proper functionality of the integrated solution. You are responsible for developing and executing development schedules, system-level test and operations plans, and supporting launch day and on-orbit operations. You will be responsible for assisting the AIT team in proving-out functionality of all avionics systems onboard the integrated vehicles. Previous spacecraft experience is highly preferred and electrical hands on experience is required. This role relies on strong electrical engineering principals in both analog and digital.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Own the entire process of designing the electrical architecture, testing and integrating avionics components onto the spacecraft
  • Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT), launch integration, and on-orbit operations
  • Intuitively understand the intention behind design decisions, and direct assembly and test operations based on those intentions
  • Write and execute vehicle assembly procedures and electrical system functional validation processes
  • Lead high-level, functional design and development of avionics systems for the current and future spacecraft
  • Develop design verification, qualification, and acceptance test plans, and coordinate with the other avionics and manufacturing engineers and technicians to execute
  • Recommend spacecraft function and reliability upgrades based on experience
  • Requirement writing and verification for spacecraft avionics

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience working with aerospace component development, testing, integration, or operations
  • Experience in electrical engineering in both analog and digital circuit design, including usage of test equipment such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, electronic loads, multimeters, and interpreting electrical schematics
  • Experience performing trade studies and sensitivity studies to select the best architecture option
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping circuits and testing
  • Requirement writing and verification
  • Experience in technical writing, proper documentation, and SOP creations
  • Candidate must have a proactive mentality with the ability to self-start
  • Experience with Python

Desired

The ideal candidate will possess one or more of the following:

  • Experience with aerospace avionics system design, development, testing, or operations
  • Experience with Power engineering, design, budgeting, and test
  • Experience in software engineering, especially C, C++, Python, and Labview
  • Experience with project planning, subcontractor management, and other project management skills
  • Experience in industry standard root cause corrective analysis techniques, such as fault tree and fishbone analysis
  • Experience in PCB and Hardware design
  • Experience in the V-model design methodology
  • Experience in Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA)
  • Experience in GND and Bonding design of spacecraft
  • Experience with environmental analysis and testing, including thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, shock, and vibration
  • Familiar with NASA GEVS or SMC-016 environmental testing
  • Familiar with MIL-STD461 EMC Testing
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with other engineering disciplines and regulatory authorities.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on 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.