Principal Avionics Engineer
On-siteHouston, Texas, United States
Job Summary
Lead the architecture, design, and selection of avionics hardware, including flight computers, sensors, power systems, and communication interfaces. Assess system risks, define interfaces between flight components, and develop hardware-in-the-loop test environments. Own battery sizing, power system analysis, and thermal considerations while supporting system integration, ground testing, and flight testing. Collaborate with external vendors to manage technical trade studies and ensure designs meet aerospace standards. Mentor junior engineers and lead cross-functional teams across Flight Software, GN&C, and Manufacturing to drive technical program needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace electrical systems engineering
- Extensive experience in rocket propulsion, flight test and launch
- Proven experience in systems design and architecture and requirement writing
- Proven experience with flight computer hardware design and/or selection
- Strong background in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing and integration
- Hands-on experience defining and implementing interfaces between flight components
- Demonstrated experience with battery sizing, power budgets, and power system design
- Experience working with and managing outside vendors, including technical evaluations and supplier coordination
- Proficiency reading and creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface documentation
- Strong troubleshooting and systems-level thinking skills
- Experience with environmental testing and qualification
- 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
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree
- Experience with DO-160, DO-254, DO-178, or similar aerospace standards
- Familiarity with embedded systems, buses and protocols (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553, etc.)
- Experience managing contractors for consulting or hardware production
- Experience supporting flight test campaigns
- Background in launch vehicles, missiles, propulsion systems, space systems, eVTOL, UAV or experimental aircraft
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