Atropos Group · 17 hours ago
Avionics Systems Architect, UAS Programs
SD Metro Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$160K/yr - $220K/yr
5+ years expAtropos Group is a combat-tested group of engineers and operators focused on advancing autonomous airpower for national security. The Avionics Systems Architect will own the design of avionics systems for autonomous aircraft, ensuring compliance with FAA certification while managing subcontractors and leading technical integration efforts.
Defense & Space
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Own the avionics architecture
Define the end-to-end avionics system, including mission computers, navigation, communications, surveillance, and payload interfaces. Select network topologies (ARINC 664/AFDX, TSN Ethernet, ARINC 429, CAN, etc.) and define redundancy, partitioning, and data flows
Lead supplier & subcontractor integration
Serve as primary technical point of contact for avionics vendors and integrators
Drive SOWs, technical requirements, ICDs, and acceptance criteria
Review vendor designs, safety artifacts, and test results; hold them accountable to cost/schedule/technical performance
Ensure FAA airworthiness compliance
Architect the system in accordance with ARP 4754A/4761, DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, and applicable Part 23/25 guidance
Support System Safety in the development and maintenance system-level requirements, safety analyses (FHA, PSSA, SSA), and certification plans
Drive verification & validation
Develop system-level test plans, HIL/LRU integration plans, and test objectives
Work with test and flight teams to triage anomalies, root-cause issues, and feed fixes back into the architecture
Collaborate across the stack
Partner with Autonomy, GNC, Flight Controls, and Cyber teams to ensure avionics supports robust, resilient autonomous operations
Communicate clearly with leadership on risk, mitigations, and tradeoffs
Qualification
Required
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5+ years of relevant experience in avionics systems design and integration on certificated aircraft
Proven experience with FAA certification efforts, including hands-on work with some combination of: ARP 4754A / ARP 4761, DO-178C (software), DO-254 (hardware), DO-160 environmental testing, Part 23 or Part 25 certification projects
Strong systems engineering fundamentals: requirements development, ICDs, safety analysis, verification planning
Demonstrated experience integrating avionics LRUs, networks, and sensors in a lab or flight-test environment
Track record of leading and managing subcontractors or vendors—able to push back technically and keep them aligned to mission and schedule
Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting architecture and certification status to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders
U.S. Person, eligible to obtain a DoD Secret clearance
Preferred
Experience with defense-focused avionics or mission systems (Link-16, SATCOM, tactical radios, radar, EO/IR, etc.)
Prior work on UAS, optionally-piloted, or highly autonomous aircraft
Familiarity with GRA, MOSA, or SOSA standards and modular open-systems architectures
MBSE experience (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw) linking avionics design to the broader digital thread
FAA DER and/or E-UM Ticket in applicable Airworthiness Standards
Benefits
Platinum Healthcare Benefits: Atropos offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% employer-paid premiums and little to no cost to you
Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance 100% covered by Atropos, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents
Unlimited PTO, with minimum of 15 days enforced
20 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy, life coaching, and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, available to you as well
Tuition and professional development reimbursement for STEM, MBA, and licenses
In-Office Daily Lunch catered
Company-funded child care stipend
Company-funded commuter benefits available based on your region.
Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
401(k) retirement savings plan - both a traditional and Roth 401(k). 6% employer matching contribution
Company
Atropos Group
Atropos is building the future of autonomous flight as a vertically integrated, design-build-test-and-operate service.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase