Honeywell

Lead Systems Engineer

Honeywell$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of systems engineering experience in avionics or aerospace communication systems
  • Familiarity with datalink communication standards and system-level testing
  • Proven experience with avionics certification and safety standards
  • Ability to assess system behavior and make informed technical decisions

Responsibilities

  • Lead design, integration, verification, and validation for aircraft datalink systems
  • Define and manage system requirements and interface control documents
  • Evaluate datalink performance metrics like reliability and latency
  • Conduct architecture and design trade studies for communication capabilities
  • Support certification planning and safety reviews aligned with industry standards
  • Investigate lab and flight-test issues using structured root-cause analysis
  • Provide technical guidance during design and certification reviews

Benefits

  • Opportunity for international travel
  • Work cross-functionally with diverse teams
  • Engagement in cutting-edge aerospace communication technology
  • Leadership role in technical decision-making
  • Chance to impact the future of aviation communication systems
Full Job Description
Job Description

As a Lead Datalink Systems Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for aircraft datalink communication systems that connect aircraft, pilots, airline operations, and ground infrastructure. You will support system architecture, requirements definition, interface control, integration, verification, and certification activities for datalink capabilities using industry standards such as ACARS, ATN, VDL-Mode 2, SATCOM, CPDLC, FANS, and applicable ARINC standards. You will work across software, hardware, systems, test, product, program, supplier, customer, and certification teams to guide technical decisions, resolve integration challenges, and deliver reliable, compliant aerospace communication solutions.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead system-level design, integration, verification, and validation activities for aircraft datalink communication systems
  • Define and manage system requirements, interface control documents, message flows, protocol behavior, assumptions, and compliance evidence with clear traceability
  • Evaluate datalink performance, reliability, interoperability, availability, latency, throughput, error handling, and degraded-mode operation
  • Support architecture and design trade studies for ACARS, ATN/OSI, ATN/IPS, VDL Mode 2, SATCOM, CPDLC, FANS, and IP-based aircraft-to-ground communication capabilities
  • Support certification planning, safety reviews, requirements validation, verification evidence, and compliance closure aligned with DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A, and ARP4761 practices
  • Investigate complex lab, flight-test, customer, and field issues using system logs, data traces, protocol captures, simulations, bench equipment, and structured root-cause analysis
  • Provide senior technical guidance to cross-functional teams during design reviews, integration events, certification reviews, and issue-resolution discussions
  • Travel within U.S. and/or internationally: 20%


Qualifications

YOU MUST HAVE
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of systems engineering experience with avionics, aircraft connectivity, aerospace communication systems, embedded systems, or safety-critical platforms
  • Experience with datalink or avionics communication standards, system requirements, interface definition, integration, verification, validation, and system-level test activities
  • Must be a United States Citizen due to contractual requirements

WE VALUE
  • Knowledge of ACARS, ATN/OSI, ATN/IPS, VDL Mode 2, SATCOM, CPDLC, FANS, ARINC 618, ARINC 620, ARINC 623, ARINC 631, ARINC 633, ARINC 664/AFDX, or related aviation communication standards
  • Experience with avionics certification and safety standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-326A/ED-202A, or related airworthiness practices
  • Experience with technology stack elements such as requirements tools, configuration management systems, simulation environments, HIL/SIL labs, protocol analyzers, bench test equipment, automated test frameworks, and data analysis tools
  • Familiarity with tools and platforms such as DOORS, Jama, JIRA, Git, Teamcenter, MATLAB, Simulink, Python, Wireshark, Ethernet analyzers, serial bus analyzers, RF test equipment, and lab debugging workflows
  • Ability to assess system behavior, interface impacts, link performance, network loading, cybersecurity considerations, certification risk, and operational tradeoffs
  • Ability to lead technical reviews, mentor engineers, document architecture decisions, and communicate recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual who can translate customer, program, certification, and operational needs into practical system solutions

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. Person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status or have the ability to obtain an export authorizaion.

About Honeywell

Honeywell Aerospace is an American company that manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, auxiliary power units (APUs), and other aviation products. The company’s product portfolio includes space equipment, turbine engines, auxiliary power units, brakes, wheels, synthetic vision, runway safety systems and other avionics. President Barack Obama awarded a Honeywell employee the National Medal of Technology for his contributions to air flight safety technology. The company also owns a number of patents related to NextGen technology, aircraft windshields, turbochargers, and more. Honeywell Aerospace was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Honeywell Careers

Joining Honeywell offers more than just job opportunities; it's a chance to grow with a company known for leadership in innovation and diversity. As a global leader, Honeywell is where your professional journey can reach new heights through a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Work You'll Do

At Honeywell, you'll be part of a team that drives digital transformation across industries. With a focus on sustainability and advanced technologies, Honeywell is not just preparing for the future; we're creating it. Our diverse and inclusive culture fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our customers and the communities in which we operate.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the opportunity to lead in the marketplace with Honeywell's cutting-edge solutions. Our leadership in areas such as aerospace, building technologies, and performance materials allows you to engage in work that makes a difference. Honeywell is at the forefront of tackling global challenges with innovative technology that improves quality of life.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an internship, a graduate role, or a leadership position, Honeywell offers a path to career success. Honeywell's commitment to professional growth is evident in our extensive training and development programs, aimed at expanding your skills and advancing your career.

Join a Dynamic Team

Honeywell's team culture is built on collaboration and respect. With a global team of professionals, you'll network with some of the brightest minds, working together to solve complex challenges. Our commitment to diversity and inclusive growth makes Honeywell not just a great place to work, but a place where your career can thrive.

Benefits and Culture

Honeywell is dedicated to providing employees with a life-work harmony through substantial benefits, including health, education, and retirement plans, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family. Our culture promotes quick learning, flexibility, and adaptation, which are critical in our fast-evolving industries.

Explore Job Opportunities

Discover the range of career opportunities at Honeywell, from engineering to sales, and contribute to our mission of shaping the future. Our hiring process is designed to find not just the right skills but also the right fit for Honeywell's culture.

Stay Connected

Join the Honeywell team to stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Apply Now

Ready to apply? Check out the open positions on the Honeywell Careers page. Tailor your resume, prepare for your interview, and take the first step towards a rewarding career at Honeywell.

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Join Honeywell and be part of a team that is dedicated to building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world.
Learn more about Honeywell
Size
99,000 employees
Market Cap
$143.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.7 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
-2.6%
Revenue
$32.6 billion
NASDAQ

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