Avionics Design Manager

Ursa Major

$160K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
  • 10+ years in FPGA-based digital systems, embedded software, avionics, or automated test systems.
  • 3+ years in engineering leadership, managing multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience leading hardware/software projects from concept to production.
  • Strong grasp of FPGA development, digital design, and verification methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead an engineering team focused on FPGA design, firmware/software development, and avionics testing.
  • Oversee the entire product lifecycle from development to production for avionics hardware and software.
  • Ensure that engineering processes and quality standards are in place while meeting timelines.
  • Provide direction for FPGA architecture, verification, and automated testing.
  • Manage team dynamics including staffing, mentoring, and resource allocation.

Benefits

  • Unlimited PTO for various types of leave.
  • Paid parental and adoptive leave.
  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Employer-paid short and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • 401k retirement plan with company matching.
  • Equity grants in the company.
Full Job Description
The Avionics Manager is a key engineering leadership role responsible for leading an integrated team focused on FPGA design and verification, firmware/software development, and avionics test engineering in support of advanced aerospace and defense systems.

The organization is responsible for developing FPGA-based digital designs, verification environments, embedded and test software, and automated electrical test solutions used to develop, qualify, and produce mission-critical avionics hardware. The team also develops and maintains component-level test equipment, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) capabilities, automated acceptance and qualification test systems, and provides technical oversight of subcontracted avionics development and test activities.

As an Avionics Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of FPGA Design Engineers, FPGA Verification Engineers, Firmware/Test Software Engineers, and Electrical Test Engineers responsible for delivering reliable, high-quality avionics solutions that meet demanding technical, schedule, and mission requirements. You will be responsible for technical execution, resource planning, staffing, process improvement, and cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead an integrated engineering organization responsible for FPGA design, FPGA verification, firmware/software development, and avionics test engineering.
  • Manage the development, integration, verification, qualification, and transition to production of avionics hardware and associated software throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Ensure robust engineering processes, design reviews, verification plans, configuration management, and quality standards are consistently applied while maintaining the agility required to meet program schedules.
  • Provide technical leadership and organizational direction for FPGA architecture, verification strategy, automated test development, and system integration activities.
  • Manage team staffing, workload balancing, hiring, mentoring, and employee development across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Develop and maintain department resource plans aligned with program priorities and strategic business objectives.
  • Own department schedule execution, technical performance, and milestone achievement across multiple programs.
  • Monitor and communicate program health, technical risks, staffing needs, and execution status to Avionics Director.
  • Identify technical, schedule, and cost risks and drive mitigation plans across engineering organizations.
  • Foster collaboration between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to improve product development and production readiness.
  • Support proposal efforts, technology roadmaps, make/buy decisions, and strategic planning for avionics development capabilities.
  • Provide technical oversight of subcontractors and suppliers supporting FPGA, firmware, and avionics test development.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience developing FPGA-based digital systems, embedded software, avionics electronics, or automated test systems.
  • 3+ years of engineering leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex hardware/software development efforts from concept through qualification and production.
  • Strong understanding of FPGA development, digital design, verification methodologies, embedded software, and electrical test systems.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
  • Must be a U.S. Person with the ability to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations and applicable program requirements.

Preferred Experience:
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Experience developing avionics or mission electronics for aerospace or defense applications.
  • Experience with FPGA development and verification methodologies, including SystemVerilog and UVM.
  • Experience managing embedded software and automated test software development.
  • Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), qualification testing, and environmental testing of electronic hardware.
  • Experience with configuration management, requirements traceability, and engineering lifecycle processes.
  • Experience managing technical execution across multiple concurrent programs.
  • Project or program management experience.
  • Active or ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Security Clearance.

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $160,000 - $200,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.

Classification: Full-time Exempt

Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
  • Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
  • Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
  • Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
  • Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
  • EAP Program
  • Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
  • Equity Grants in the Company


How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

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