Principal Systems Engineer (System of Systems)

1w1 week ago

Astronautics Corporation of America

Phoenix, US · Full-time · $160,000 – $220,000

About this role

We are seeking an Avionics Principal Systems Engineer to lead avionics system architecture, design, implementation, lab and aircraft integration, testing, and verification. Programs include large-scale avionics modernization of C-130 aircraft or design for new aircraft in development. You will define system architectures and drive key technical decisions across subsystems.

Guide cross-functional engineering teams on cockpit displays, flight management, navigation, GPS sensors, radio navigation, communication radios, audio, surveillance, and autopilot integration. Develop top-level architectures, define interfaces across avionics components and external systems. Manage system-level requirements down to subsystems with traceability using DOORs.

This on-site role offers flexibility and can be based at Headquarters in Oak Creek, WI, or the engineering facility in Phoenix, AZ. Reports directly to the Senior Manager, Systems Engineering. Drive alignment across stakeholders including customers, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams.

Lead integration strategies, troubleshooting, verification methods, and system-level testing in labs and on aircraft. Contribute to design reviews like SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR. Mentor junior engineers while supporting safety assessments and risk mitigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, Systems) or another related technical field from an accredited institution
Minimum 10 years of systems engineering experience in avionics or complex aerospace systems
Demonstrated experience with systems integration
Experience with requirements management and change tracking tools such as DOORS, ADO, etc.
Expertise with regulatory design guidelines including ARP4754B, DO-178B/C, DO-254, DO-160
Expertise in avionics architectures (IMA, federated systems, data buses like MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 664, and Ethernet)
Experience with Safety Assessment process guidelines like ARP4761A
Experience with System Integration Labs

Responsibilities

Lead development of top-level system architectures
Define systems interfaces across avionics components and external systems
Develop, allocate and manage system level requirements down to the subsystem levels
Ensure traceability using tools (DOORs) from mission needs through verification activities
Define and oversee integration strategies across multiple avionics systems
Lead system integration troubleshooting activities
Lead system-level test planning and execution on a System Integration Lab and on aircraft
Mentor junior system engineers