Senior Systems Engineer - TCAS/ACAS & Surveillance Avionics

Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-15 years of systems engineering experience in airborne avionics or surveillance systems.
  • Direct experience with TCAS II, ACAS Xa/Xo, or similar collision avoidance systems.
  • Strong understanding of TCAS/ACAS, TA/RA, ADS-B, and related concepts.
  • Proficient in system requirements development and management using IBM DOORS/DNG.
  • Experience in developing complex avionics architectures and integrating various systems.
  • Knowledge of ARINC 429, AFDX, and point-to-point aircraft communications.
  • Familiarity with RF systems and airborne avionics integration.

Responsibilities

  • Lead systems engineering for TCAS/ACAS and surveillance avionics from requirements to flight test.
  • Develop and manage system requirements using IBM DOORS/DNG or similar tools.
  • Define system architectures and interfaces across hardware, software, and RF systems.
  • Apply knowledge of surveillance and collision avoidance to system design and integration.
  • Analyze avionics interfaces like ARINC 429 and AFDX.
  • Support system integration, verification, and flight-test activities.
  • Assist with FAA certification and compliance documentation.

Benefits

  • Competitive pay and comprehensive medical/dental/life coverage.
  • 401(k) with employer match.
  • Professional development support.
  • Flexible and friendly workplace.
Full Job Description
We are seeking an experienced SeniorSystems Engineer with TCAS/ACAS and surveillance avionics expertise to support development, integration, qualification, and certification of airborne surveillance and collision avoidance systems. The role spans requirements, architecture, integration, verification, certification, and flight test, with technical interfaces across hardware, software, RF, aircraft systems, customers, and certification teams.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona. On-site preferred, 3+ days/week

Citizenship: U.S. Person

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead TCAS/ACAS and surveillance avionics systems engineering from requirements and architecture through integration, verification, qualification, certification, and flight test.
  • Develop, allocate, validate, trace, and manage system requirements using IBM DOORS/DNG or comparable tools.
  • Define system architectures, functional decomposition, interfaces, and system behavior across hardware, software, RF, and aircraft systems.
  • Apply TCAS/ACAS, TA/RA, ADS-B, surveillance, and collision avoidance knowledge to system design and integration.
  • Define and analyze ARINC 429, AFDX, and point-to-point avionics interfaces.
  • Lead/support system integration, verification, troubleshooting, laboratory testing, aircraft integration, and flight-test activities.
  • Support FAA certification, TSO, RTCA, and compliance activities, technical reviews, and certification documentation.
  • Identify technical risks, resolve cross-functional issues, and drive actions to closure.
  • Coordinate systems, software, hardware, RF, verification, certification, flight-test, program, and customer teams.

Required Qualifications
  • 5-15 years of relevant systems engineering experience, preferably in airborne avionics or surveillance systems.
  • Direct experience with TCAS II, ACAS Xa/Xo, or related airborne collision avoidance systems.
  • Strong knowledge of TCAS/ACAS, TA/RA, ADS-B, surveillance, and collision avoidance concepts.
  • Experience with system requirements development, decomposition, allocation, validation, traceability, and IBM DOORS/DNG.
  • Experience developing complex avionics architectures and integrating hardware, software, RF, and aircraft interfaces.
  • Knowledge of ARINC 429, AFDX, and point-to-point aircraft communications.
  • Experience with system integration, verification, test procedures, and technical reviews.
  • Familiarity with RF systems and airborne avionics integration.
  • Working knowledge of embedded C/C++ sufficient to understand software/system interactions.
  • Strong technical communication, customer interaction, risk management, and issue-resolution skills.
  • Practical knowledge of applicable TSOs, including TSO-C219, TSO-C112e, TSO-C166b, TSO-C195b, and other applicable surveillance/collision avoidance TSOs.
  • Must meet U.S. Person requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Mode S, transponders, ADS-B In/Out, or related surveillance technologies.
  • Familiarity with FAA certification, RTCA MOPS, and industry standards.
  • Experience with equipment qualification, aircraft certification, ground/flight testing, anomaly investigation, and data analysis.
  • Experience with aircraft OEMs, avionics suppliers, operators, or certification authorities.
  • Experience with certification evidence and compliance documentation.
  • Knowledge of RF surveillance architectures, antennas, signal paths, and RF performance.
  • Experience leading cross-functional or distributed engineering teams.

Benefits Include
    • Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.


Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$127,000-$167,000 USD

About Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. Careers

Joining Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of an elite team of professionals specializing in defense technology and solutions. This is a pivotal time to contribute to a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Career Opportunities and Growth

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The company is dedicated to the professional growth and continuous career development of all team members. From leadership roles to entry-level positions, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to high-stakes projects.

Innovative Work Environment

At Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc., innovation is at the core of everything they do. The team is tasked with developing advanced solutions that keep them at the forefront of the defense industry. Employees at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries to achieve the best results.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers robust internship programs that provide hands-on experience in a highly supportive environment. Internships are a great way to build your resume, develop new skills, and gain valuable industry insight. Many interns move on to full-time positions, making this a great gateway to a career with Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Diversity and Inclusion

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company believes that diversity fuels innovation and creates a stronger team. Diversity training is integral to their culture, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits and Culture

The culture at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is built on a foundation of respect and integrity. Employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. These benefits include health care, retirement plans, and paid time off, among others. The supportive culture ensures that everyone feels valued and can perform at their best.

Networking and Professional Development

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. emphasizes the importance of professional development and networking. Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and are provided with numerous opportunities for advancement. Career development programs and leadership training are just a few of the resources available to help employees meet their career goals.

Join the Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. Team

Explore the career pages to find open positions that match your skills and interests. Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is looking for dedicated, curious, and innovative team players. Start your journey by applying today and prepare for a series of interviews where you can showcase your capabilities.

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