Overview
The Development Lead, Avionics and Electrical Systems is a visionary and hands-on engineering leader responsible for driving the early-stage development of new and innovative aircraft, systems, or feature development projects within the Cirrus Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) department. This position will focus on the initial phases of aircraft development-ideation, hypothesis generation, stakeholder engagement, technology maturation, and conceptual design.
Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of leading the development of Avionics and Electrical Systems from ideation through conceptual design and into practical product paths.
- Generate and test hypotheses through hands-on prototyping, simulation, and evaluation, with minimal supervision.
- Create and manage development plans focused on early-stage exploration, requirements capture, and concept validation.
- Engineer and refine requirements and objectives through stakeholder engagement and iterative experimentation.
- Translate verbal direction and vision into actionable design objectives and development strategies.
- Collaborate directly with pilots, mechanics, and experimental technicians, as well as external stakeholders such as Product Development, Certification, and Production teams.
- Foster a culture of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration, learning from both success and failure.
- Communicate complex ideas effectively and efficiently to diverse audiences.
- Travel up to 25% may be required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor''s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related STEM discipline).
- 10+ years of experience in aviation, aerospace, or advanced product development.
- Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of avionics and electrical systems.
- Previous early product development experience - from a clean sheet to working prototypes.
- Proven track record of producing results when developing new designs or products.
- Willingness to take smart risks, accept accountability, and fix mistakes.
- Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams and manage early development projects.
- Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate - and to minimize administrative overhead.
- Experienced in iterative development cycles, with a strong ability to identify non-viable solutions early and reorient technical strategy quickly.
- Strong hands-on skills in prototyping, simulation, and testing.
- Comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment.
- Proficient in creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, schematics, BOMs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Familiarity with system development standards (e.g., ARP4754A, ARP4761).
- Preferred Qualifications: Master''s degree in related discipline. Previous experience in aircraft program development; leading integrated product teams, or similar technical teams; private pilots certificate or personal aviation experience; familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill), Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink), Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence); proficient in at least one coding language; Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards).
Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
- Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
- PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
- Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
- Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
- Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
- Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations
These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
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