Principal Electrical Engineer - Avionics

Overview

Principal Electrical Engineer – Avionics at a leading aviation technology company. This role offers the opportunity to design next-generation systems for military and commercial aircraft and to contribute to a team evolving into a full-fledged avionics consultancy. If you are seeking high-impact, hands-on work across the full product lifecycle, this is a chance to lead innovation from the ground up.

• Lead end-to-end development of analog, digital, and embedded systems for avionics hardware, including circuit design, layout, and integration.
• Spearhead reliability and environmental testing for safety-critical aerospace electronics, ensuring compliance with DO-160 and DO-254.
• Interface directly with military and aerospace clients to define specifications, provide technical direction, and deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software developers, technicians, and external engineers to test and certify new designs.
• Oversee obsolescence management strategies (DMSMS), from component identification to reverse engineering and re-certification of avionics equipment.
• Own schematic capture, BOM development, prototype builds, and test validation for refurbished or redesigned systems.
• Conduct reverse engineering projects on legacy avionics systems, including analysis, documentation, and design-for-replacement.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on cross-disciplinary design reviews and product evolution discussions.
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams to validate alternative parts and maintain long-term hardware supportability.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense electronics design, including analog and digital circuit design and embedded systems.
• Expertise in ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and CAN bus protocols.
• Proficiency with PCB development tools (e.g., Altium, Cadence, or Mentor Graphics) and circuit simulation platforms (e.g., SPICE).
• Strong grasp of aerospace certification standards (DO-254, DO-160, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to reverse engineer legacy electronics and lead redesign projects from teardown through full lifecycle replacement.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract involvement.

• Background in FPGA or ASIC development is a plus.
• Familiarity with avionics applications such as power protection, airborne radar, or radio navigation.
• Experience collaborating with FAA or EASA regulatory teams on compliance or certification efforts.
• Prior exposure to small engineering teams where cross-discipline flexibility is required.

• Autonomy and Impact: Shape how the engineering function evolves as the company builds out a full-service consultancy arm.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Direct contact with a GM who is also an electrical engineer — no micromanagement, just mentorship.
• Career Growth: Train on new tools, drive innovation, and gain access to enterprise-level clients across aerospace and defense.
• Voice at the Top: Engineers work closely with company leadership and are empowered to influence direction.

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