Systems Design Manager - Avionics & Ground System Engineer

at  Aalto University

Welcome to AALTO, where we’re blazing a trail to an extraordinary future! We’re not just rewriting the rulebook; we’re defining what is possible from the skis itself by, propelling HAPS technology to stratospheric heights.
Imagine an aircraft soaring above 60,000 feet, powered by sunlight and flying for months above traditional air traffic. That’s us, AALTO, world-leaders in High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology, with our 100% solar-electric, world-record-breaking Zephyr HAPS aircraft. But that’s just the beginning! We’re on the verge of becoming the global leader in HAPS Connectivity as a Service (CaaS), connecting diverse needs in the Mobile and Satellite Network Operator market. We connect the various demands of our customers, whether it’s for rural connectivity, overlay capacity, disaster recovery, or new service provision. Plus, we’re opening doors in revolutionizing Earth observation, tracking, and communications, while operating a carbon-neutral Zephyr HAPS fleet.
Join us in this exciting journey at AALTO. You won’t just be part of a team; you’ll be part of an eclectic, passionate group of visionaries shaping the future and pushing boundaries in the stratosphere. Ready to rewrite history with us? AALTO is not just creating an aircraft; we’re shaping a future of boundless possibilities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive leadership and management skills to lead and motivate a team of >15 people.
• Proven leadership excellence with an ability to inspire and lead teams to success. Fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment, instrumental in driving the success of the team and achieving organizational objectives.
• This role typically requires a substantial background in complex avionics and ground systems.
• Have a degree or other suitable qualification and relevant experience in Electronics Engineering, avionics design or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in avionics and ground system, and telecommunication systems
• Relevant Aircraft Type Certification and supplemental type certification competencies.
• Experience in managing a commercial aircraft design/development cycle from requirement management through to design, certification production and in service support.
• Good understanding of aircraft certification processes/standards and Means of Compliance (DO178, DO254, DO160, ARP4754, ARP4761).
• Demonstrated experience in holding a delegated technical authority (Compliance Verification Engineer or similar) would be an advantage.

JOB PURPOSE:

As the Systems Design Manager, you will lead the strategic vision and operational execution of the avionics and ground systems engineering departments (HW & SW) within our aerospace organization. Your role encompasses overseeing the development, integration, optimisation and certification of the avionics and ground systems across the Zephyr HAPS. You will drive innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of excellence within the avionics engineering department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of HW and SW engineers, fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. Provide guidance on technical challenges, project execution, and career development opportunities.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and communicate a clear vision for the avionics and ground system engineering teams (HW & SW), aligning with the company’s overall mission and goals. Set strategic objectives, establish priorities, and allocate resources to drive departmental success.
• Avionics Development: Oversee the design, development, and testing of avionics hardware and software, ensuring compliance with aviation standards (ARP4754, DO178, DO254, DO160), and customer specifications. Drive continuous improvement in avionics performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other engineering disciplines, to integrate avionics systems seamlessly into the Zephyr architecture. Coordinate with project managers, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve project milestones and deliverables. Coordinate with Quality and Supply Chain.
• Production Liaison: Collaborate closely with production and configuration control.
• Suppliers Management: Manage avionics and ground system suppliers (flight computers, datalinks) to ensure a smooth integration into the Zephyr HAPS. Monitor and assess the performance of the suppliers, ensuring that they meet the specifications, standards, and expectations. Support and conduct audits, inspections, tests, and reviews of the suppliers’ products and processes. Facilitate and oversee the integration of the avionics and ground systems and components into the aircraft, ensuring that they function properly and safely.
• Innovation and Research: Lead research and development efforts to explore new technologies, materials, and methodologies for advancing avionics and ground system capabilities. Stay abreast of emerging trends, industry developments, and competitive landscapes to drive innovation and maintain technical leadership.
• Project Management: Manage avionics and ground system projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards. Mitigate risks, resolve issues, and optimize resource allocation to deliver successful outcomes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain awareness of aviation regulations, certification requirements (ARP5754, ARP4761, DO178, DO254 and DO160), and industry best practices related to avionics design, development, and certification.
• Airworthiness support: Advising and supporting the understanding of design specialists within a part 21 J organisation in applicable regulations, Means of Compliance, their constraints and contributing to design reviews by providing certification expertise. Support Review Meetings at panel level with the UK CAA specialists and other National Aviation Authorities, as scheduled and notified, and when required.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices, processes, and tools to enhance avionics development efficiency, productivity, and quality. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the avionics and ground system engineering team.
  Some travel may be required within UK and international to support flight campaign, visiting suppliers or to support any other business demand.