Avionics Engineer SME (TS/SCI)

Title: Subject-Matter Expert (SME) - Avionics Engineering (TS/SCI)
Status: Full-time, Onsite
Location: Dayton, OH
Relocation: Nationwide relocation support available
Salary: Salary to be discussed with a Recruiter
Visa Support: Not available (U.S. Citizenship required)

Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Avionics Engineering Subject-Matter Expert (SME) to serve as the senior technical authority on integration of advanced avionics systems with military fixed- and rotary-wing platforms. This individual will lead architecture design, airworthiness certification, digital engineering, and system integration efforts for mission-critical programs.
The SME will guide teams through the design, integration, and testing of avionics hardware and software systems, ensuring seamless performance across multiple platforms. This role requires strong technical leadership, mentorship skills, and the ability to work with senior government and industry stakeholders.

• Define integration approaches connecting VPX-based avionics hardware with MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429/664, and Ethernet TSN/AFDX buses.
• Develop interface control documents, signal-flow diagrams, and timing budgets.
• Ensure compliance with open mission systems standards (OMS/UCI, FACE, SOSA).

Airworthiness & Certification

• Lead the development of airworthiness documentation, including safety analyses and flight-clearance packages.
• Ensure compliance with DO-254 (hardware) and DO-178C (software) standards.

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

• Capture avionics architectures using SysML tools such as CAMEO or MagicDraw.
• Manage configuration control, requirements traceability, and verification alignment.

Integration & Testing

• Oversee lab-to-flight integration activities, including wiring, EMI/EMC, timing, and protocol troubleshooting.
• Support flight test readiness, draft test cards, and analyze real-time telemetry data during flights.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Advise program leadership and external partners on avionics technical direction.
• Mentor mid-level engineers and instill best practices for open-architecture and secure development.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship (due to clearance requirements)
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• 20+ years of avionics design and integration on military fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft
• Deep expertise in MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429/664, Ethernet TSN/AFDX, and VPX architectures
• Proven experience integrating Type-1 crypto, SATCOM, and RF subsystems
• Hands-on experience with airworthiness documentation and flight test programs
• Proficiency with avionics E-CAD and MBSE tools (CAMEO/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, Altium, OrCAD)

Desired Skills

• Experience with advanced networking and C4ISR programs
• Familiarity with DO-254, DO-178C, MIL-STD-461, RCC standards
• INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, DER, or equivalent credentials
• Knowledge of software-defined radios, content routing, or SDN integration
• Agile/SAFe certification and exposure to DevSecOps pipelines (e.g., Platform One, Rancher)

Why Dayton, OH?
Dayton offers a lower cost of living compared to many U.S. cities, excellent outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, biking, water sports), a growing food and brewery scene, and easy access to major cultural hubs like Cincinnati and Columbus. It is an attractive location for professionals seeking affordability and quality of life.