Position Summary: Serve as the cornerstone technical authority for integrating open-architecture airborne nodes linking warfighters to decision-quality data at the tactical edge. As the program's Avionics Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will lead avionics integration of chassis, Type-1 crypto, SATCOM apertures, and OMS/UCI software with multiple aircraft avionics suites during Major Release ensuring airworthiness, mission effectiveness, and robust digital-thread fidelity. Essential Job Functions: Architecture & Design Authority:
Define avionics integration schemes that combine COTS VPX hardware with platform data buses (MIL STD 1553, ARINC 429/664, Ethernet TSN) and mission computers.
Develop interface-control documents (ICDs), signal-flow diagrams, and timing budgets; ensure alignment with OMS/UCI messages and cross-domain guard rules.
Airworthiness & Certification:
Lead authoring of AF Form 1067s, E-series flight-clearance packages, and safety-of-flight analyses.
Oversee creation and compliance of DO 254 (hardware) and DO 178C (software) artifacts when required.
Digital Thread / Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE):
Capture avionics models in SysML/CAMEO and link to requirements, verification methods, and hardware trees.
Drive configuration-control boards, incorporate red-line changes, and maintain synchronization of models and documents.
Lab-to-Flight Integration:
Specify and validate wiring harnesses, signal conditioning, and power interfaces in integration system-in-the-loop (SIL) labs.
Troubleshoot EMI/EMC, timing, and protocol issues; guide corrective actions through to flight-test readiness.
Flight-Test & Fielding Support:
Draft test cards, telemetry requirements, and Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT).
Serve as on-board or ground avionics lead during developmental and operational flights; analyze real-time data and coordinate anomaly resolution.
Mentorship & Stakeholder Engagement:
Advise government leads, platform SPOs, and OEM avionics teams; present technical status to senior audiences.
Mentor mid-level engineers and instill open-architecture and DevSecOps best practices in classified environments.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
B.S. in Electrical, Avionics, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering (M.S. preferred).
20+ years of avionics design/integration experience on military fixed- or rotary-wing platforms, including hands-on flight-test and fielding.
Active TS/SCI security clearance.
Expert knowledge of MIL STD 1553, ARINC 429/664, Ethernet (TSN/AFDX), VPX architectures, and timing/synchronization.
Demonstrated success integrating Type 1 crypto, SATCOM/RF subsystems, and open mission systems (OMS/UCI, FACE, SOSA).
Proven experience generating airworthiness artifacts and guiding systems through developmental and operational test.
Proficiency with avionics E CAD and MBSE tools (CAMEO/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Altium/OrCAD).
Desired Skills:
Experience with ABMS, CJADC2, or airborne C4ISR networking programs.
Deep familiarity with DO 254/DO 178C compliance, RCC 324/125 15, and MIL STD 461 EMI/EMC.
INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, Designated Engineering Representative (DER), or USAF Test Pilot School academic credentials.
Integrating software-defined radios, content routing, or SDN architectures into legacy aircraft environments.
Agile/SAFe certification and exposure to DevSecOps pipelines (Platform One, Rancher).