Avionic Systems Engineer II/III

Role Summary: Specter Aerospace is seeking an Avionics Systems Engineer II/III to develop and integrate the avionics architecture for our supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles, ensuring that power, control electronics, communications, sensors, and embedded computing function together as a cohesive flight system. A successful candidate will have prior experience defining system-level requirements and interfaces, integrating multi-disciplinary avionics subsystems, and supporting hardware bring-up and troubleshooting through test and flight operations.

About Specter Aerospace: Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. This open application will be reviewed for roles based in any/all of our offices. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role Responsibilities

Develop and maintain avionics system architecture, including power distribution, communications, grounding, and subsystem interfaces

Support the integration of avionics subsystems, including flight computers, sensors, power electronics, control electronics, and instrumentation

Translate vehicle-level requirements into system-level requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans

Coordinate with electrical, mechanical, embedded software, GNC, and propulsion engineers to resolve system integration challenges

Contribute to system-level hardware integration, bring-up, debugging, and troubleshooting during development and vehicle assembly

Support design reviews and system-level trades to balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, and testability

Develop and execute integration and qualification test plans, and translate results into design improvements

Maintain system architecture, interface, and integration documentation

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in avionics system architecture and integration (Level III)

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field

2+ years of relevant full-time experience (Level II) or 5+ years of relevant full-time experience (Level III) developing or integrating avionics or other high-reliability embedded electronic systems

Experience with avionics system architecture, power distribution, or communications interfaces

Familiarity with common aerospace interfaces and communication protocols (e.g., SPI, I²C, UART, CAN, Ethernet, RS-422/485, or similar)

Comfort with hardware integration, system-level debugging, and root cause analysis in laboratory or test environments

Familiarity with EMI/EMC, grounding, shielding, and electrical reliability considerations for aerospace systems

Available for up to 10% travel for relevant ground and flight test activities

Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Preferred Qualifications:

Active U.S. Secret clearance

Previous experience developing or integrating avionics for aerospace, defense, spacecraft, or other high-reliability applications

Experience with flight computers, telemetry, power distribution, or vehicle control electronics

Experience with schematic capture and PCB design; preference for Altium Designer

Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing and avionics ground support equipment

Familiarity with relevant IPC, military, or environmental testing standards

Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, C, C++, or similar languages

Benefits at Specter:

Competitive salary

Opportunity for equity compensation

Health and dental insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy

Paid federal holidays and annual Holiday break

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.