Avionics Systems Engineering Lead

AALTO HAPS
Farnborough
1 month ago
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Avionics Systems Engineering Lead

Engineering · Farnborough

Job Purpose: This Avionics Systems Engineering Lead position in AALTO will support the development and integration of avionics systems for our high‑altitude, long‑endurance (HAPS/UAV) platform. The role coordinates systems engineering activities across communications, navigation, surveillance, SATCOM, payloads, and ground systems.

Overview

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. From above 60,000+ ft, AALTO can deliver applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation. AALTO operates in Stratospace, an operational layer between air traffic and low-Earth orbit, delivering services to commercial and government partners to monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities. Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of Team AALTO, a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary avionics systems engineering team.
  • Support development and maintenance of avionics architecture under guidance from senior engineering leadership.
  • Manage avionics requirements: elicitation, traceability, verification, validation, and configuration control.
  • Lead system design and integration readiness reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
  • Coordinate with suppliers to support specifications, qualification evidence, and integration readiness.
  • Ensure compliance with ARP4754, ARP4761, DO‑178, DO‑254, and applicable UAV/HAPS regulations.
  • Oversee SATCOM and data‑link integration (e.g., Iridium, Inmarsat, Viasat, Starlink).
  • Promote model‑based systems engineering and alignment of models/simulations with verification plans.
  • Produce technical documentation and present status updates to stakeholders.

Our Requirements for this role:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electronics, or related engineering discipline.
  • Proven avionics systems engineering experience, ideally in HAPS/UAV or aerospace programmes.
  • Experience leading a team or a project lead.
  • Solid foundation in avionics architecture, requirements ownership, and system integration.
  • Proficiency with requirement management tools (like DOORS, Jama or Jira), and system‑level verification planning.
  • Extensive experience with avionics and ground‑system integration, testing, and supplier management.
  • Deep knowledge of ARP4754, ARP4761, DO‑178, DO‑254, and UAV/HAPS regulatory frameworks is very desirable.
  • Also desirable: SATCOM integration experience, MBSE tools (e.g., Simulink), UAV certification liaison, CVE eligibility.

We offer an exceptional work environment that values well‑being and rewards dedication. Flexible working helps achieve work‑life balance. We provide a competitive pension plan and a rewarding bonus scheme. AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

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About AALTO

At AALTO, we take pride in building an exceptional work environment that values well‑being and rewards dedication. We provide a generous bonus scheme and a competitive pension plan, supporting your professional growth and personal fulfilment.

Founded in 2022 · Co-workers 190+

Already working at AALTO ? Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.


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