Avionics Engineer SME (TS/SCI clearance )

Avionics Engineering Subject Matter Expert - Phalanx Griffon Program

Join the cutting-edge modernization effort shaping the future of airborne mission systems. The Phalanx Griffon (PG) initiative is the U.S. Air Force's leading open-architecture airborne platform, delivering real-time, mission-critical data at the tactical edge. As the Avionics Engineering SME, you will serve as the principal integration lead for embedding the Nomad hardware chassis, Type-1 encryption modules, SATCOM apertures, and OMS/UCI-compliant software into diverse aircraft avionics environments during Major Release 2 (FY25-FY27). Your leadership will directly impact airworthiness, operational capability, and digital engineering continuity.

Key Responsibilities:

System Architecture & Design Leadership

Engineer advanced avionics integration strategies aligning Nomad VPX-based modules with legacy and modern aircraft data buses, including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429/664, and Ethernet TSN.

Create and manage ICDs, signal flow models, and timing synchronization documentation that adhere to OMS/UCI and cross-domain data handling standards. Airworthiness & Compliance Oversight

Serve as the lead for generating critical documentation, including AF Form 1067s, E-series flight clearances, and comprehensive safety analyses.

Guide development teams through DO-254 (hardware) and DO-178C (software) certification processes to meet airworthiness and mission assurance criteria. Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Execution

Develop avionics systems models using SysML tools (e.g., CAMEO), ensuring traceability to requirements, verification strategies, and physical configurations.

Lead configuration audits, redline reconciliation, and model updates in alignment with evolving program baselines. Integration & Test Readiness

Define and validate avionics harnesses, power distribution, and signal conditioning setups within System Integration Labs (SIL).

Resolve EMI/EMC interference, timing errors, and communication issues to ensure systems are flight-test ready. Flight Operations & Deployment

Draft test procedures, telemetry schemas, and IATT documentation in preparation for airborne evaluation.

Act as the avionics technical lead during flight tests-monitoring telemetry, analyzing anomalies, and driving rapid-cycle resolution efforts. Leadership & Engagement

Provide strategic engineering guidance to government IPTs, platform program offices, and industry OEM partners.

Mentor mid-career engineers in secure open architecture design and modern DevSecOps principles in classified environments. Basic Qualifications:

U.S. Citizenship required due to program security constraints.

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Avionics, or Computer Engineering (Master's preferred).

20+ years of experience in military aircraft avionics systems design, test, and deployment.

Active TS/SCI clearance.

Expertise in MIL-STD-1553, ARINC standards, TSN Ethernet protocols, VPX systems, and deterministic timing methods.

Proven success with integrating Type-1 crypto devices, SATCOM/RF payloads, and open mission system architectures such as OMS/UCI, FACE, or SOSA.

Demonstrated ability to generate and manage airworthiness documentation through developmental and operational test cycles.

Hands-on experience with avionics CAD and MBSE platforms (e.g., Altium, OrCAD, CAMEO, Rhapsody). Preferred Experience:

Involvement in ABMS, CJADC2, or airborne C4ISR initiatives.

Familiarity with compliance standards including DO-254, DO-178C, RCC 324, and MIL-STD-461.

Credentials such as INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, DER designation, or academic experience at USAF Test Pilot School.

Integration of SDRs, tactical content routers, or SDN into legacy platforms.

Agile/SAFe certification and hands-on experience with DevSecOps platforms (e.g., Platform One, Rancher, or similar).