Job Title: Avionics Control Systems Engineer

Job Summary:

The Avionics Control Systems Engineer Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, integration, testing, maintenance, and optimization of avionics control systems in aircraft. This role requires leading a team of engineers to ensure that avionics systems, including autopilot, flight management, navigation, and communication systems, meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The manager will be involved in project management, cross-functional team collaboration, and ensuring the operational readiness of avionics systems. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and strategic decision-making to ensure the continued improvement and integration of avionics systems.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership and Development:

   • Lead and manage a team of avionics control systems engineers, providing direction, mentorship, and support to ensure high team performance.
   • Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear objectives, and provide professional development opportunities to team members.
   • Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

2. System Design, Integration, and Optimization:

   • Oversee the design and integration of avionics control systems, including autopilot, flight management systems, navigation systems, and communication systems.
   • Ensure seamless integration of avionics systems with other aircraft subsystems, including propulsion, flight control, and sensors.
   • Lead efforts to optimize avionics control systems for better performance, fuel efficiency, and system reliability.

3. Project Management:

   • Manage avionics control systems projects from concept through completion, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.
   • Allocate resources efficiently, track project progress, and resolve any project-related issues.
   • Work closely with other departments, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams, to ensure the timely and successful delivery of avionics projects.

4. Testing, Validation, and Certification:

   • Oversee the testing, validation, and certification of avionics control systems, ensuring compliance with FAA, EASA, and other regulatory bodies.
   • Manage hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, simulation, and flight testing to ensure systems operate reliably and safely under various conditions.
   • Lead efforts to identify and resolve issues during testing, ensuring systems are fully optimized before deployment.

5. Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:

   • Provide leadership in troubleshooting avionics control system issues, guiding the team through root cause analysis and problem-solving to implement corrective actions.
   • Lead the identification and resolution of complex avionics system failures and ensure that any systemic issues are addressed to improve overall system reliability.

6. Regulatory Compliance and Safety Assurance:

   • Ensure all avionics control systems comply with relevant regulatory standards, including FAA, EASA, and industry best practices for avionics and safety.
   • Oversee the preparation of documentation for certification, ensuring all avionics systems meet the necessary compliance requirements.
   • Ensure avionics systems include redundancy, fail-safes, and safety-critical features to enhance system reliability and minimize risks.

7. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination:

   • Collaborate with engineering teams, program managers, suppliers, and vendors to ensure avionics systems meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements.
   • Serve as the primary technical liaison for avionics control systems, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on project goals and timelines.
   • Participate in cross-functional meetings to address system integration issues, resolve conflicts, and ensure smooth project execution.

8. Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

   • Lead initiatives to integrate new technologies and advancements into avionics control systems, ensuring systems remain at the forefront of industry developments.
   • Drive continuous improvement efforts for avionics control systems, focusing on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
   • Implement best practices and efficient methodologies to improve the design, integration, testing, and maintenance processes for avionics systems.

9. Budget and Resource Management:

   • Develop and manage budgets for avionics control systems projects, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and the timely delivery of projects within financial constraints.
   • Monitor and control project costs, ensuring that expenditures stay within budget while maintaining high standards of system quality and safety.
   • Track resource utilization and adjust allocations as needed to optimize project outcomes.

10. Documentation and Reporting:

    • Ensure comprehensive and accurate documentation is maintained for all avionics control systems activities, including designs, specifications, testing, and certification reports.
    • Prepare and present regular status reports on project progress, system performance, and issues to senior management and external stakeholders.
    • Maintain up-to-date records for auditing and compliance purposes, ensuring that all technical and project documentation adheres to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Extensive experience with avionics control systems, including autopilot, flight management systems, navigation, and communication systems.
• Proven track record in managing avionics projects from design to deployment, including testing, integration, and certification processes.
• Strong understanding of FAA, EASA, and other regulatory standards for avionics and flight control systems.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills to manage and guide engineering teams effectively.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities to resolve complex avionics system issues.
• Ability to drive process improvements and lead initiatives to enhance system performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills to work with cross-functional teams, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets effectively.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Professional certifications in avionics, flight control systems, or project management (e.g., Six Sigma, FAA certifications) are a plus.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in avionics systems, flight control systems, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing large avionics projects, including system design, integration, testing, and certification.
• Significant experience in troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing avionics control systems.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies to ensure avionics systems meet certification and safety standards.

Tools and Technologies:

• Expertise with avionics testing and diagnostic tools, including simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink) and system integration tools.
• Familiarity with performance monitoring and diagnostic tools used in avionics systems testing.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting software for system performance analysis.

Other Requirements:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a team.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, balancing technical responsibilities with project management.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance in avionics control systems.
• Willingness to travel to facilities or aircraft for system installations, testing, and troubleshooting as required.