About the RoleWe're looking for an Avionics Architecture Lead Engineer to own the end-to-end avionics system design for our autonomous aircraft. You will define the architecture, manage key avionics subcontractors, and ensure the system meets FAA certification requirements.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role for a self-starter who can zoom from high-level architecture down into ICD details, test plans, and flight-test findings.
What You'll Do- Own the avionics architecture.
- Define the end-to-end avionics system, including mission computers, navigation, communications, surveillance, and payload interfaces.
Select network topologies (ARINC 664/AFDX, TSN Ethernet, ARINC 429, CAN, etc.) and define redundancy, partitioning, and data flows. - Lead supplier & subcontractor integration.
- Serve as primary technical point of contact for avionics vendors and integrators.
- Drive SOWs, technical requirements, ICDs, and acceptance criteria.
- Review vendor designs, safety artifacts, and test results; hold them accountable to cost/schedule/technical performance.
- Ensure FAA airworthiness compliance.
- Architect the system in accordance with ARP 4754A/4761, DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, and applicable Part 23/25 guidance.
- Support System Safety in the development and maintenance system-level requirements, safety analyses (FHA, PSSA, SSA), and certification plans.
- Drive verification & validation.
- Develop system-level test plans, HIL/LRU integration plans, and test objectives.
- Work with test and flight teams to triage anomalies, root-cause issues, and feed fixes back into the architecture.
- Collaborate across the stack.
- Partner with Autonomy, GNC, Flight Controls, and Cyber teams to ensure avionics supports robust, resilient autonomous operations.
- Communicate clearly with leadership on risk, mitigations, and tradeoffs.
What You Bring- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in avionics systems design and integration on certificated aircraft.
- Proven experience with FAA certification efforts, including hands-on work with some combination of:
- ARP 4754A / ARP 4761
- DO-178C (software)
- DO-254 (hardware)
- DO-160 environmental testing
- Part 23 or Part 25 certification projects
- Strong systems engineering fundamentals: requirements development, ICDs, safety analysis, verification planning.
- Demonstrated experience integrating avionics LRUs, networks, and sensors in a lab or flight-test environment.
- Track record of leading and managing subcontractors or vendors-able to push back technically and keep them aligned to mission and schedule.
- Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting architecture and certification status to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders.
- U.S. Person, eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
Bonus Points- Experience with defense-focused avionics or mission systems (Link-16, SATCOM, tactical radios, radar, EO/IR, etc.).
- Prior work on UAS, optionally-piloted, or highly autonomous aircraft.
- Familiarity with GRA, MOSA, or SOSA standards and modular open-systems architectures.
- MBSE experience (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw) linking avionics design to the broader digital thread.
- FAA DER and/or E-UM Ticket in applicable Airworthiness Standards
Why You'll Love Working Here (Compensation and Benefits)Base Salary: $160,000 to $220,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Atropos's total compensation package. Additionally, Atropos offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
- Platinum Healthcare Benefits:Atropos offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums and little to no cost to you
- Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents
- Unlimited PTO, with minimum of 15 days enforced
- 20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition
- Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well
- Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses
- In-Office Daily Lunch catered
- Company-funded child care stipend
- Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
- Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
- 401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). 6% employer matching contribution
The recruiter assigned to this role can share more information about the specific compensation and benefit details associated with this role during the hiring process.
