Staff Flight Avionics Specialist

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Staff Flight Avionics Specialist, you will play a critical role, actively contributing hands-on to complex flight test operations. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of avionics and Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) projects, from planning and resource management to expert technical execution, advanced troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of quality and safety in a dynamic, fast-paced developmental flight test environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Project Management & Coordination:
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and oversee all aspects of avionics and Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) projects from concept to implementation.
• Manage budgets, schedules, resources, material, and equipment requirements, including procurement, inventory control, and test equipment calibration.
• Technical Execution & Oversight:
• Oversee and perform hands-on installation, modification, service, troubleshooting, repair, inspection, and maintenance of complex aircraft avionics, electrical, payloads, subsystems, and ground support equipment.
• Correct major and minor discrepancies by removal, repair, or replacement of defective avionics, electrical, and subsystem components.
• Perform scheduled maintenance and functional checks on aircraft avionics, electrical, and subsystems.
• Load, maintain, and manage software configurations on aircraft and ground segments, including executing software loads and regressions in a development environment.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain broader aircraft systems and subsystems including landing gear, fuel system, flight control, and propulsion.
• Harness Fabrication & Wiring:
• Lead the fabrication, modification, upgrade, and repair of aircraft electrical harnesses, coax cables, and fiber optics.
• Ensure meticulous crimping, soldering (to IPC standards), lacing, and thorough continuity and bond checks.
• Flight Test Operations Support:
• Direct and participate in comprehensive flight test operations, including pre-flight checks, ground operations (Launch, Recovery, Ground Engine run-up), in-flight issue resolution support, and post-flight data validation for prototype and experimental aircraft.
• Documentation & Compliance:
• Expertly interpret and work from intricate engineering blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, technical specifications, and draft procedures to guide team activities and ensure accurate system integration.
• Ensure all work adheres strictly to FAA regulations, military standards (as applicable), industry best practices, company procedures, and robust safety protocols.
• Complete meticulous aircraft and equipment documentation and enforce stringent FOD prevention and tool control practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Process Improvement:
• Serve as a primary technical point of contact, coordinating and collaborating effectively with Flight Test Engineers, Design Engineers, Program Managers, customers, and other departments to define requirements, provide updates, and ensure successful project and test outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement standardized procedures for maintenance, upgrades, and FTI installation to enhance system reliability, performance, and overall operational efficiency.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree in Avionics, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive hands-on experience as an Avionics or Flight Test Instrumentation Technician in an aerospace flight test environment.
• Mastery in aircraft electrical and avionics system installation, modification, maintenance, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) systems and Data Acquisition Systems (DAS), including installation, troubleshooting, and checkout of instrumentation such as strain gauges, accelerometers, and string pots.
• Proficiency in electrical harness fabrication, soldering (to IPC standards), crimping, lacing, and performing continuity and bond checks.
• Extensive experience with software loads, configurations, and regressions in a development environment for aircraft and ground segments.
• Expertise in reading and interpreting complex engineering blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical orders.
• Strong understanding of aviation safety practices, FAA regulations (e.g., Part 21, 23, 25), military standards (as applicable), and quality assurance standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues independently and under pressure.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced flight test environment, adapt rapidly to changing roles/responsibilities, and demonstrate multi-capability, including some mechanical troubleshooting and repair.
• Ability to travel as required to support flight test operations.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Valid FCC license and/or ICP-A 620 certification. (FCC?)
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, CATIA V5, SolidWorks) for reviewing designs.
• Experience with LabVIEW or other specialized data acquisition software for system setup, calibration, and data validation.
• Documented experience with the calibration of various test equipment and aircraft instrumentation.
• Experience or certification in project management methodologies (e.g., PMP).
• Experience working with a variety of aircraft types, including military, commercial, or experimental platforms.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement.