Avionics Engineer

Poseidonaero
Alameda, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with vehicle electronics integration experience working in aerospace and autonomous systems.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience integrating avionics systems on aircraft or UAVs
    — “background in integrating complex electronic systems on vehicles (aircraft, UAVs, or high-performance automotive)”
  • Individuals who can bridge software and hardware teams during system validation
    — “Act as the technical glue between the software team, the mechanical structures team, and the flight test pilots.”
  • Engineers comfortable with both design tools and physical testing of hardware
    — “Get hands-on with the aircraft to diagnose 'gremlins' during ground and flight testing, using everything from oscilloscopes to data logs.”

Things to consider

  • The role requires a strong grasp of signal integrity and EMI/EMC mitigation
    — “ensure clean power distribution and EMI/EMC mitigation across the airframe”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with data bus architectures like CAN or ARINC 429 in your resume
    — “Configure and troubleshoot data bus architectures (e.g., CAN, ARINC 429, RS-232/485, and Ethernet)”
  • Demonstrate your ability to explain technical trade-offs in non-technical terms
    — “Strong communication skills to explain technical trade-offs to non-electrical teammates.”
  • Include projects involving wiring diagrams or interconnect drawings in your portfolio
    — “Develop comprehensive wiring diagrams, interconnect drawings (ICDs), and system schematics.”
  • Showcase hands-on debugging skills using lab equipment in your interview responses
    — “Comfortable using lab equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) to debug hardware and signal issues.”
  • Mention any experience with HIL testing or test harness development in your application
    — “Assist in the 'bench-to-bird' process, including building test harnesses, breadboarding circuits, and performing HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Developing and validating avionics systems
  • Supporting ground and flight testing
Typical background
Avionics or electrical engineering background

Skills & requirements

Required

Avionics System DesignIntegrationTroubleshootingData Bus ConfigurationElectrical Load Analysis

Preferred

Do-160Do-178Do-254 StandardsPythonC/c++

Stack & domain

Flight ComputersSensorsActuatorsCommunication SuitesWiring DiagramsInterconnect DrawingsSystem SchematicsData Bus ArchitecturesElectrical Load AnalysisClean Power DistributionEmi/emc MitigationHIL TestingDo-160Do-178Do-254AntennasGPSTelemetry Link IntegrationPythonC/c++Break-out BoxesSignal ConditioningPrivate Pilot LicensePart 107Communication SkillsTechnical Trade-offsAvionicsAircraftUavsHigh-performance Automotive

About the role

Original posting from Poseidonaero via Ashby

ABOUT POSEIDON AEROSPACE:

Poseidon Aerospace is reimagining how the world moves goods. We build and operate full-size autonomous cargo aircraft - capable of carrying two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. From remote communities to contested logistics operations, our platforms unlock a new cost curve for air freight, making it faster, cheaper, and accessible anywhere it's needed. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations in Washington DC, Oregon, and Maine; we're building something consequential.

As an Avionics Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will contribute to the design, integration, and validation of the avionics systems powering our aircraft. You will help develop an efficient and reliable system that support propulsion, control, and autonomy across our fleet.

Responsibilities:

  • Own the integration of flight computers, sensors, actuators, and communication suites into a cohesive aircraft system.
  • Develop comprehensive wiring diagrams, interconnect drawings (ICDs), and system schematics.
  • Configure and troubleshoot data bus architectures (e.g., CAN, ARINC 429, RS-232/485, and Ethernet).
  • Support electrical load analysis (ELA) and ensure clean power distribution and EMI/EMC mitigation across the airframe.
  • Assist in the "bench-to-bird" process, including building test harnesses, breadboarding circuits, and performing HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) testing.
  • Act as the technical glue between the software team, the mechanical structures team, and the flight test pilots.
  • Get hands-on with the aircraft to diagnose "gremlins" during ground and flight testing, using everything from oscilloscopes to data logs.

Qualifications:

  • A background in integrating complex electronic systems on vehicles (aircraft, UAVs, or high-performance automotive).
  • Proficiency in schematic capture/harness design tools (e.g., Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, Capital) and a solid grasp of basic circuit theory.
  • Comfortable using lab equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers) to debug hardware and signal issues.
  • Ability to understand how a change in a sensor's sample rate might impact the flight controller or the pilot's display.
  • Strong communication skills to explain technical trade-offs to non-electrical teammates.

Nice to Have:

  • Familiarity with DO-160, DO-178, or DO-254 standards.
  • Experience with antennas, GPS, or telemetry link integration.
  • Proficiency in Python or C/C++ for automating tests or parsing flight data.
  • Experience spinning quick-turn boards for break-out boxes or signal conditioning.
  • A private pilot license or Part 107 (UAV) certification is a huge plus

WHAT YOU GET FROM US

  • Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity
  • Relocation support if applicable
  • Employee Health Benefit Plans
  • 6% Retirement matching
  • Flexible PTO
  • Free lunches, snacks, and a stocked fridge at our offices
  • AI tools and subscriptions

Source: Poseidonaero careers (Ashby)

Similar roles