Avionics Design Manager

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