Staff Systems Engineer ? Airborne Cybersecurity Requirements (2026-100) (WA, Kirkland)

Staff Systems Engineer - Airborne Cybersecurity Requirements (DO-326A)

Airborne Power & Control (APC) Product Group - Kirkland, WA (On-Site Hybrid)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Staff Systems Engineer - Airborne Cybersecurity Requirements to lead cybersecurity planning and requirements for aircraft electrical power systems and equipment.

This role is not an enterprise IT, network, or web security position. Instead, it focuses on airworthiness-driven cybersecurity for embedded aircraft systems, with particular emphasis on RTCA DO-326A, DO-355, and DO-356 and their integration into certification programs.

You will define, analyze, and verify cybersecurity requirements for airborne power generation, conversion, and distribution systems, working directly with customers, internal engineering teams, and certification authorities.

This on-site role offers a flexible arrangement, allowing 2-3 days per week work from home.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cybersecurity Planning for Airborne Systems

• Develop comprehensive cybersecurity plans for aircraft power products and systems that demonstrate compliance with airworthiness and certification regulations.
• Generate technical documents that summarize the cybersecurity aspects of each project (e.g., security plans, security aspects of system safety assessments, compliance matrices).
• Formulate plans for ongoing security maintenance to ensure continued compliance with airborne cybersecurity requirements over the product life cycle.

2. Cybersecurity Risk Assessment & Requirements

• Perform airborne cybersecurity risk assessments for aircraft electrical power systems and equipment.
• Apply knowledge of airworthiness security processes and methods to develop logical, traceable security requirements that align with system-level requirements and key performance parameters.
• Ensure systems' compliance by providing certification evidence in accordance with RTCA DO-326A, DO-355, and DO-356 and related industry guidance.

3. Customer Coordination & Design Support

• Work directly with aircraft OEM and Tier-1 customers to support cybersecurity-related design decisions for aircraft power systems, maximizing reuse of qualified designs where appropriate.
• Support customer reviews, design assurance activities, and the integration of cybersecurity considerations into system architecture and requirements.
• Clearly explain cybersecurity requirements, assumptions, and trade-offs to both technical and non-technical customer stakeholders.

4. Technical Problem Solving & Certification Support

• Resolve technical and certification challenges using a high degree of analytical rigor and originality, particularly where cybersecurity, safety, and performance requirements interact.
• Support system safety, systems engineering, and certification teams in establishing consistent, defensible cybersecurity arguments and artifacts.
• Assure the quality and completeness of cybersecurity deliverables through diligent oversight, peer review, and alignment with internal processes.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate actively with electrical, software, test, and mechanical engineers, as well as program management, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with the APC team, contributing to design and peer reviews, status updates, and customer interactions.
• Foster a positive team environment by sharing knowledge, mentoring less experienced engineers, and supporting team goals.

6. Aircraft Electrical Power Systems Focus

• Apply and grow technical understanding of aircraft electrical power systems (generation, conversion, distribution, control, and protection) as the context for all cybersecurity activities.
• Integrate cybersecurity requirements with power system performance, safety, and reliability considerations.

7. Cybersecurity Process & Guideline Improvement

• Improve existing airborne cybersecurity guidelines, processes, and templates, and develop new ones as needed to increase consistency and efficiency across programs.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of our systems engineering and cybersecurity requirements practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Security, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Direct experience in requirements capture and management using tools such as DOORS, Polarion, Caliber, or Jama (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to author technical documents (e.g., plans, specifications, analyses, compliance reports).
• Strong skills in presenting technical information to customers and management.
• Experience working within defined system development processes (e.g., systems engineering V-model, safety- or certification-driven development).

Eligibility Requirements

• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it is necessary.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening (includes cannabis).
• Ability to work on-site in Kirkland, WA, with a flexible hybrid schedule (2-3 days/week remote).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the aviation industry (aircraft, avionics, or airborne equipment).
• Strong working knowledge or mastery of RTCA DO-326A, DO-355, and DO-356 and their application to airborne system certification.
• Hands-on experience with aircraft electrical power systems (e.g., generators, power conversion units, distribution, control systems).
• Experience writing process documents or internal engineering guidelines.
• Prior involvement in airworthiness, safety, or certification activities is a plus.

Compensation

• Base salary range: $132,983 - $199,474 per year (Mid-point: $166,228). Factors such as education, experience, skills and market conditions influence the actual salary. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.
• Bonus: Highly competitive Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health: Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, voluntary life/AD&D, critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity.
• Financial: 401(k) & Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture that values balance.
• Time Off: Generous PTO starting at 120 hours, plus 12 paid holidays.