Job Title: Avionics Control Systems Engineer
Job Summary:
The Mid-Level Avionics Control Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, testing, optimization, and troubleshooting of avionics control systems used in aircraft navigation, communication, and flight control. This role involves leading efforts to ensure that avionics systems such as autopilot, flight management, and navigation systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards. The engineer will work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of avionics systems with other aircraft subsystems and to contribute to system improvements and innovations.
Key Responsibilities:
System Design and Integration:
- Lead the design, integration, and optimization of avionics control systems, including autopilot, flight management, navigation, and communication systems.
- Work with cross-functional teams (electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers) to integrate avionics control systems with other aircraft subsystems such as propulsion, flight controls, and sensors.
- Ensure avionics systems meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards, including FAA and EASA compliance.
Testing, Validation, and Optimization:
- Oversee and perform testing of avionics control systems to verify functionality, performance, and reliability under various operating conditions.
- Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, simulation, and on-aircraft evaluations to ensure avionics systems meet operational specifications.
- Identify and implement optimization strategies to improve system performance, reduce weight, and increase fuel efficiency.
Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:
- Take a leadership role in diagnosing and resolving complex issues related to avionics control systems.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts during system integration, validation, and operational use, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Ensure that issues are resolved in a timely manner to minimize operational downtime and maintain high levels of system reliability.
System Maintenance and Calibration:
- Oversee routine maintenance and calibration of avionics control systems to ensure that all systems meet performance standards.
- Develop and enforce preventive maintenance schedules to avoid system failures and ensure the readiness of avionics systems for flight operations.
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to develop troubleshooting guides and training programs for avionics control systems.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
- Ensure avionics systems are developed, integrated, and tested according to relevant regulatory standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and safety requirements.
- Lead the preparation of documentation for certification and compliance with aviation safety regulations.
- Ensure that safety-critical systems incorporate redundancy, fail-safes, and other features that ensure safe operation during flight.
Project Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Manage avionics control system projects, including timeline management, resource allocation, and tracking of deliverables.
- Coordinate with various engineering teams and departments to ensure timely and effective integration of avionics systems into aircraft designs.
- Work with external stakeholders, including suppliers and vendors, to ensure that components meet technical specifications and quality standards.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Lead efforts to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in avionics control systems.
- Evaluate new technologies and systems, integrating emerging advancements into avionics designs to enhance system capabilities and efficiency.
- Participate in brainstorming sessions and design reviews, contributing ideas to improve avionics system designs and capabilities.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for avionics control systems, including system designs, test plans, test results, and maintenance records.
- Prepare detailed reports on system performance, test results, and troubleshooting findings, presenting them to senior management and external regulatory bodies.
- Ensure all design, testing, and maintenance documentation complies with internal procedures and regulatory standards.
Mentorship and Technical Leadership:
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and support on avionics system design, integration, and troubleshooting.
- Offer leadership in daily engineering activities, ensuring technical standards are followed and systems are developed and maintained efficiently.
- Provide training to other engineers and stakeholders on best practices for avionics system integration and maintenance.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Strong knowledge of avionics control systems, including autopilot systems, flight management systems, navigation, and communication systems.
- Proven experience in integrating avionics systems with other aircraft subsystems (e.g., propulsion, flight controls, and sensors).
- Familiarity with industry regulatory standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and their application in avionics system development.
- In-depth experience with avionics system testing, validation, and performance optimization.
- Proficient in troubleshooting avionics control systems and diagnosing complex technical issues.
- Solid understanding of system maintenance, calibration, and preventive maintenance processes.
- Experience with HIL testing, simulations, and flight testing of avionics systems.
- Excellent communication skills to work with cross-functional teams and present technical data clearly.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing timelines, budgets, and resources.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications related to avionics, aircraft systems, or aviation regulations (e.g., FAA certifications) are beneficial.
Key Focus Areas:
Avionics and Flight Control Systems
- Designing, maintaining, and optimizing avionics and flight control systems to enhance aircraft performance and reliability.
Safety and Emergency Systems for Aircraft
- Developing and testing control systems for safety and emergency equipment to ensure compliance with aviation standards.
Precision Instrumentation for Navigation, Communications, and Control
- Integrating, calibrating, and troubleshooting precision instruments for navigation, communication, and control systems to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in avionics systems, flight control systems, or related fields, with a focus on system integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Hands-on experience with avionics system calibration, maintenance, and performance validation.
- Experience in managing or contributing to avionics-related projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Experience with regulatory compliance and certification processes for avionics systems.
Tools and Technologies:
- Familiarity with avionics testing and diagnostic tools, including simulation and modeling software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink).
- Experience with system integration and performance monitoring tools used in avionics control systems.
- Knowledge of data analysis tools for processing test results and optimizing system performance.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities, with a willingness to guide junior engineers and help foster a culture of learning.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, balancing technical leadership with hands-on contributions to projects.
- Willingness to travel to aircraft facilities or testing locations as needed to support system integration and testing activities.