Avionics System Engineer Jobs
Avionics System Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, defense, and commercial aviation, from entry-level to senior and principal, with specializations in flight control systems, navigation and communication systems, and DO-178C software certification. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Avionics System Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 11+ Avionics System Engineer jobs









Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.
Summary
Develops and provides electrical/system component and installation design solutions required to support the installation design and certification of systems and equipment onboard commercial aircraft.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Work within a project team to understand system architecture and functionality, as well as the integration and interaction of the system/equipment with the aircraft
- Perform the necessary aircraft manual research to source power, identify and source the appropriate discrete and ARINC 429 signals from existing avionics LRU's onboard the aircraft, and identify open disconnect positions
- Develop components and system installations to satisfy competing design requirements including: cost, schedule, manufacturability, etc.
- Develop parts lists/Bills of Materials for piece-part, assembly and installation drawings
- Develop pin-to-pin wire diagrams and the associated cable and harness manufacturing drawings needed to integrate the electrical system architecture from the LRU specifications/requirements, interconnectivity documents, and/or block diagrams
- Produce piece-part, assembly and installation drawings requisite to effectively communicate manufacturing data and installation design
- Develop work instructions based on electrical drawings
- Conduct aircraft surveys to facilitate component and installation design as well as identify potential installation challenges associated with the existing aircraft structure and retrofit installs
- Work with aircraft mechanical and installation teams to troubleshoot system installation and operation problems as well as support certification and operability testing
- Regular mentoring of less senior employees
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience
Required:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering, or in a related technical and/or equivalent field
- Familiarity and/or experience working with a 2D CAD package, preferably AutoCAD
- Familiarity and/or experience developing piece-part, assembly and/or installation drawings
- Experience in aviation/aerospace
- 5+ years of experience working on aircraft
Compensation & Benefits:
- The base salary range for this position is $95,000 to $115,000, The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
- This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
-
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees:
- Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
- Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a "safe harbor" plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
- Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
- Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
- Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Able to parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Employs logic when solving problems.
- Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Demonstrates attention to detail; Satisfies all requirements; Finds optimal solutions to complicated problems.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Consistently and continuously identifies ways to validate answers; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
- Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Builds knowledge base from research and experience.
- Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; Takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
- Written Communication - Writes clearly, concisely and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
- Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works in an ethical manner and with integrity; Upholds organizational values.
- Organizational Support – Disciplined in thought and action; Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.
- Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
- Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Strives to increase productivity.
- Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.
- Adaptability - Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
- Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.
- Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Follows up on assigned tasks; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
- Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Participates and facilitates brainstorming activities; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, blueprints, product and component specifications, data sheets and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively communicate technical details, design concepts, analysis results, and substantiation via verbal or written mediums. Ability to contribute to technical discussions before groups of customers and/or employees.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to read and interpret figures, graphs and plots. Ability to solve algebraic, geometry and calculus-based problems. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve engineering and technical problems. Ability to manage, organize, analyze and decipher large amounts of data.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical, technical and engineering problems via a logical, analytic approach. Ability to simplify complicated problems using assumptions. Ability to validate work using verification techniques.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of electronic equipment. Additionally, intermediate PC skills and knowledge of Internet and Microsoft Office applications are required. Computer experience/operation is necessary.
Other Skills and Abilities
Ability to multi-task. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Strong time management and organizational skills. Ability to work under dynamic schedule constraints and consistently meet deliverable timelines.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to high voltage electricity.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in designated areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.
For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Avionics System Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
See All 11 Avionics System Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Avionics System Engineer JobsAvionics System Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring



What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in avionics system engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering or a related technical field
- Experience with DO-178C and DO-254 airworthiness certification standards
- Proficiency in requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS or similar platforms
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance or eligibility to obtain one
- Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop or iron-bird integration testing
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, or other applicable military standards
Tips for Your Avionics System Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to DO-178 levels
Hiring managers in avionics scan for DO-178C Design Assurance Level experience before anything else. Call out the specific DAL (A through D) you've worked at, the aircraft program, and whether you owned verification, validation, or both.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists avionics system engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show MBSE tool fluency on your resume
Model-Based Systems Engineering tools like DOORS, Cameo, and MagicDraw appear in a large share of avionics postings. List the specific version and program context, not just the tool name, so recruiters can gauge your depth quickly.
Filter openings by clearance requirement
Many defense avionics roles require a Secret or Top Secret clearance, which narrows the candidate pool sharply. If you hold an active clearance, make it visible in your application materials and prioritize roles where it matches from the start.
Prepare for systems integration lab questions
Interviewers at avionics primes often ask about iron-bird or hardware-in-the-loop test experience. Walk through a specific integration campaign you led or supported, naming the aircraft platform, the failure modes you caught, and how defects were dispositioned.
Negotiate around clearance sponsorship costs
If a role requires a clearance you don't yet hold, factor in that the employer bears the sponsorship cost and timeline, often 12 to 18 months. Use that as leverage when discussing start dates and compensation packages rather than accepting the first offer.
Avionics System Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most avionics system engineers?
The companies hiring the most avionics system engineers right now include Vast, Astronics, and BTAS, with the largest share of openings in California, Washington, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Defense primes and commercial aircraft manufacturers tend to post in clusters tied to major program milestones.
How many avionics system engineer jobs are remote?
About 67% of avionics system engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on lab and classified facility requirements of most programs. Sub-areas with the most remote flexibility tend to be systems architecture, requirements development, and certification documentation work that doesn't require physical access to test hardware or secure facilities.
How do you become an avionics system engineer?
Start with a bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering, then build hands-on exposure to embedded systems or aircraft hardware through internships or entry-level roles in defense or aerospace manufacturing. Gaining familiarity with DO-178C certification standards early accelerates your path to systems-level responsibilities. Many engineers also pursue a Professional Engineer license or systems engineering certification as they move into senior roles.
How do you get hired as an avionics system engineer with little experience?
Focus on roles labeled systems integration engineer or avionics test engineer, which are common entry points that build the platform knowledge needed for full systems engineering work. Highlight any senior design projects, university research, or internship work involving embedded hardware, flight simulation, or requirements documentation. Even partial exposure to DO-178C or MIL-STD standards in an academic setting is worth calling out explicitly on your resume.
What does the avionics system engineer interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a technical phone screen covering systems engineering fundamentals and your specific program experience, followed by a structured panel interview with engineers and a program manager. Expect at least one scenario-based question about a requirements conflict or integration failure you resolved. Some employers add a written technical exercise or a brief design review presentation before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to avionics system engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to avionics system engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, clearance status, and technical background, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 11 Avionics System Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Avionics System Engineer Jobs