Principal System Engineer - UAV Avionics Systems

External Job Description

The Role We are seeking a highly experienced Systems Engineer – UAV Avionics & Mission Systems to lead the end-to-end development, integration, and validation of avionics and mission-critical payload systems across ADASI’s UAV platforms. This pivotal role ensures seamless coordination of flight control systems, sensors, and mission payloads—driving operational excellence, compliance with aerospace standards, and system readiness for real-world deployment.

Key Responsibilities

Define and manage system-level requirements for avionics, navigation, datalinks, and sensor payloads Develop system architecture and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for integration of autopilots, mission computers, and sensors Evaluate and select COTS/custom avionics and payloads (EO/IR, COMINT, SIGINT, LIDAR) based on mission needs Oversee integration and testing of avionics and payload subsystems, ensuring interoperability and robustness

Design and implement V&V plans, supporting simulation, ground tests, and flight trials Analyze telemetry and test data to validate system performance and reliability

Ensure compliance with DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, and applicable regulatory standards Generate and maintain technical documentation across the system development lifecycle Support airworthiness, cybersecurity, and quality reviews with risk assessments and mitigation strategies

Provide leadership in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, QR) and collaborate across disciplines 

Required Qualifications Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Avionics, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (required) Master’s degree in Avionics Systems or Systems Engineering (preferred)

Experience: 15+ years of experience in avionics or mission systems engineering for UAVs or aerospace platforms Proven track record in avionics integration, flight control, and ISR sensor payloads Deep familiarity with UAV command & control, datalink systems, and RF payloads Technical Tools Systems engineering tools: DOORS, Polarion, SysML/UML Communication/data protocols: ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, Ethernet, UART RTOS environments: VxWorks, QNX, embedded Linux Testing tools: Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), telemetry analysis, simulation environments Familiarity with sensor fusion, RF link integration, and mission planning software