Job Description

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).

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