Systems Engineer - Airborne Cybersecurity

Position: Staff Systems Engineer - Airborne Cybersecurity Requirements (2026-100)
Staff Systems Engineer - Airborne Cybersecurity Requirements )

Astronics Subsidiary Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES)

Location Kirkland, WA

Description

** 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,…