Avionics Systems Engineering Lead

# Avionics Systems Engineering Lead

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Welcome to [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk], a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, [Employer hidden] 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. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, [Employer hidden] can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

[Employer hidden] operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help 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 a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team [Employer hidden]. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose:

This Avionics Systems Engineering Lead position in [Employer hidden] 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.

Responsibilities include guiding the team, supporting compliance activities, and assisting with supplier coordination to deliver safe, certifiable solutions. The position works closely with our aircraft, ground, operations, safety, and certification teams and may support CVE activities when delegated. It contributes to system integration, verification, and mission readiness throughout the programme lifecycle.

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with a strong technical background who is looking to take the next step into leadership

Other 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

In addition to salary, we offer:

• *Rewarding Excellence*: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.
• *Enjoy Your Time Off*: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.
• *Stay Healthy*: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.
• *Secure Your Future*: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.
• *Peace of Mind*: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.
• *We Care About You*: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.
• *Perks Galore*: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, because you deserve a treat!

#LI-LC1

Department
: Engineering

Locations
: Farnborough

## About [Employer hidden]

At [Employer hidden], we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

[Employer hidden] is an equal opportunities employer and positively 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.

Founded in
2022

Co-workers
190+

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Engineering
·
Farnborough

# Avionics Systems Engineering Lead

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