Part Time R&D Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with experience in developing embedded software for hardware applications to join our dynamic Cabin Electronics Product Group in Kirkland, WA.

This is an on-site position that offers flexibility to work from home part-time dependent on project needs.

If you have embedded software experience and are passionate about making an impact and driving innovation with a forward-thinking company that stays at the forefront of the latest technologies in the aircraft industry—and has been recognized as one of Washington's Best Places to Work for 16 consecutive years—please read on!

The Cabin Electronics Product Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of in-seat power systems for the commercial airline industry. The group’s EmPower® product line provides a variety of scalable power solutions for aircraft passenger cabins and flight decks. The system is used by over 280 airlines, IFE suppliers, and all major aircraft OEM manufacturers worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY

In this role, you will actively support Astronics AES Cabin Electronics through software engineering for products currently in production. Responsibilities include evaluation of designs and product changes, product testing, and investigating root causes and corrective actions leading to product improvements. This role interfaces directly with multiple cross-functional teams, including the Cabin Electronics Product Support team, to drive product improvement initiatives. This role requires a firm understanding of the downstream influence of design decisions on product quality, reliability, manufacturability, and costs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform software engineering for non-flight critical aircraft products and systems currently in production. This includes supporting the investigation and resolution of field-related problems, performing and evaluating software design improvements, and conducting verification testing associated with design changes.
• Participate in the continuous review of failure trend data, identifying and implementing improvements of existing products.
• Develop software artifacts compliant with DO-178C processes, including Level D software documentation.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for specific software components across multiple products.
• Review/update software requirements, architecture, design documents, verification test plans/procedures, and other reports as required.
• Integrate and test software with hardware, working hands-on with the Product Support team to verify that core product requirements are met and field performance standards are upheld.
• Participate in peer reviews with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders.
• Provide accurate task estimates to meet customer commitments.
• Document root cause analyses, corrective actions, and engineering change justifications clearly and concisely for internal and customer-facing audiences.
• Proactively identify and implement improvements to internal development processes, leveraging industry best practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Technical Experience

• Competent in the key responsibilities above and experience below (typically 5+ years of direct experience). Proven experience developing and troubleshooting embedded software, with traceability to software and system requirements, for resource-constrained systems in a production or field support context.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in developing robust software in C, C++, Python, or similar language, with experience debugging and optimizing existing codebases.
• Working knowledge of RTCA DO-178C required.
• Familiarity with Software Configuration Management, Problem Reporting, and associated tools such as StarTeam, Polarion, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of UART, RS-485, ARINC 429 is a plus.
• Embedded Linux experience and familiarity with device trees are desired.
• Proficient in test tools such as oscilloscopes and protocol analyzers.
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex software engineering challenges with sound technical judgment and innovative thinking.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring within software projects is preferred.

Industry Experience

• Aerospace industry experience highly desired.

Employment Eligibility Requirements

• This role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-controls laws or other applicable U.S. government legal or contractual requirements. To assess whether any licenses, authorizations, or other exceptions are required, please indicate whether you are a U.S. Person. If you are not a U.S. Person, the company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. This information is collected solely for this compliance purpose.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background check and drug test including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $102,687 – $154,031 annually (Midpoint: $128,359).
  Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonuses also apply.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional critical illness and accident coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work–Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.