Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO 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, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO 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 AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose:

As a Senior Avionics Systems Engineer, you will lead the architecture, and integration of Avionics systems for the Zephyr High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), ensuring they meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. This role requires a deep understanding of electronics, software, and aerospace systems to ensure the reliability and functionality of these systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful implementation, meeting project objectives, and adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Lead avionics architecture and integration activities from concept to delivery, managing schedules, risks, resources, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.

• Systems Engineering (ARP4754B): Define and maintain avionics system and subsystem requirements, ensuring full traceability. Develop Systems Engineering Plans, Certification Plans, Verification Plans, and contribute to overall compliance with ARP4754B.

• Avionics Systems: Develop and manage requirements, architectures, interface definitions (ICDs) and V&V for avionics systems (Flight Computer, C2 Datalink, Transponder, etc).

• Integration Leadership: Lead integration of avionics with platform systems including power, propulsion, structures, payloads, and mission systems, ensuring coherent system behaviour across all interfaces.

• Issue Resolution: Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve avionics system issues across hardware, software, and integration domains.

• Safety & Airworthiness: Interface with Safety and Airworthiness teams to support FHA, PSSA, SSA, FMEA, and associated ARP4761A documentation. Contribute to certification artefacts and regulatory compliance evidence.

• Design Reviews: Support and contribute to SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, Qualification Reviews, and other formal design assessments.

• Documentation & Configuration Management: Produce high‑quality engineering documentation including requirements, architectures, integration procedures, and certification evidence. Maintain design records, test data, and system baselines.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements in engineering processes, standards, and design methodologies. Remain current with relevant avionics and HAPS technology developments.

• Cross‑Functional & Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams (power, structures, mission systems, operations, safety) and external suppliers for design, integration, and qualification of avionics equipment.

• Travel: Overseas travel may be required to support integration, supplier engagement, or test activities.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in avionics or aerospace systems engineering.

• Degree in Electronics, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.

• Solid understanding of avionics systems.

• Experience with Requirements Management Tools, such as JAMA, or DOORS.

• Knowledge of ARP4754B and ARP4761A is advantageous.

• Knowledge of DO178C and DO254 is desirable.

• Strong analytical, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

• Ability to contribute to airworthiness and certification activities.

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!

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