Job Summary

The Avionics and Electrical Engineering (A&E) Leader oversees a team of 70+ engineers specializing in avionics, software, electrical systems, and Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS). This team is responsible for the design, development, and integration of aircraft equipment, systems, and components, as well as their installation, in compliance with FAA Part 23 regulations. The A&E Leader provides strategic vision, leadership, and technical oversight, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of all technical approaches, products, and processes.

This role directly supervises the Avionics Leader, Electrical Engineering Leader, Software Leader, and EWIS Leader, fostering collaboration and alignment across all engineering disciplines.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Reporting to the Vice President of Engineering, the Director of Avionics & Electrical Engineering leads a team of engineers and technicians responsible for the design, development, integration, and testing of avionics and electrical systems at Cirrus Aircraft. This includes providing ongoing engineering support for all aspects of aircraft avionics and electrical in compliance with FAA Part 23 regulations. The Director delivers strategic leadership, technical oversight, and approval of engineering approaches, products, and processes to ensure quality, innovation, and regulatory adherence

This position will deploy A&E Engineering Standard work on a broad basis using industry standards. 

Technical areas of responsibility include: 

 Manages the Company’s R&D direction to ensure continued industry leadership in creating new customer value through avionics and system integration.  Develops and executes integrated organizational plans, policies and procedures while guiding the development of business and technical strategies, goals, and objectives.  Provides oversight and input to the development of A&E system designs.  Analysis and interpretation of requirements/technical specifications of aircraft equipment, software, components and systems and ensuring their successful integration onto aircraft.  Specification of A&E systems interfaces compatible with the installation requirements.  Definition of equipment, components, systems and installations specified to enable system testing, fault finding prior to installation and certification.  Oversight of system architecture and system safety assessment to meet design requirements.  Acquires resources for test activities, provides technical management oversight and leads process improvements.  Provide feedback for mechanical requirements aspects of A&E designs.  Development and certification plan and report writing and reviewing.  Develops strong working relationships with all organizational stakeholders, peers, and direct reports.  Manages, develops and motivates employees. The Director of A&E Engineering is responsible for developing, coaching, and mentoring of less experienced engineers and supervisors, resource allocation, staffing, and performance reviews, including creating and executing onboarding training plans. This individual supports the Engineering Department with budget planning and control, resource/project planning, and maintaining awareness of key deliverables and project milestones. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history of fostering individual engagement and initiative, driving improvements to engineering process, and implementing design methodologies resulting in superior technical design and enhanced team productivity.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent required.   12 years related industry experience 8 years leadership experience   Leading teams of 10 or more engineers working on multiple complex projects.   Experience managing remote engineering teams and locations.   Working knowledge of electrical avionics, software systems and electrical engineering disciplines for aircraft.  Demonstrated ability work cross-functionally with Chief Engineers and management peer groups.  Out of the box thinking to deliver required technical solutions to meet program goals.  Experience in FAA certification programs at the aircraft level for CFR Part 23, 25, 27, or 29.  Experience in FAA Aircraft and component conformity processes.  Familiarity with ISO9001 (ISO9100) working practices.  Familiarity with wiring harnesses, software, avionic and electrical design tools.  Familiarity with component and software reliability and qualification testing.  Familiarity with navigation and communication systems and their certification.  Familiar with support for engineering flight testing  Able to write test schedules and reports  Able to work with program managers and project leaders to develop and hold schedules.  Experience in the use of design tools and CAD software is preferred  Experience with Integrated Flight Decks  Garmin G3000 Flight Deck is preferred  IFR private or commercial rated pilot is preferred.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Builds Effective Teams: Builds strong effective teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.  Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.  Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.  Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.  OUR BENEFITS Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:   401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting. Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options. Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals. Generous PTO: 200 hours accrued within the first year. Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates. Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities. Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts. Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations. 

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus! 

LIFE AT CIRRUS  Cirrus is dedicated to advancing general aviation as a leading manufacturer of personal aircraft. The Cirrus Flying Club offers employees and their family members the unique opportunity to obtain their private pilot’s license in the comfort of a Cirrus or rent a Cirrus for an impromptu adventure at a significantly reduced rate.     At Cirrus, we are committed to investing in the future of our employees and company by offering professional development and career progression opportunities that include onboarding, recurrent and area-specific training, talent acceleration and leadership development, continuing education, and tuition assistance programs.      We also engage employees by offering several employee and family events throughout the year and the opportunity to participate in activity clubs and community events. From holiday and special occasion celebrations to local runs and barbecues, our team has the opportunity to connect with each other, the community, and our customers.   

OF NOTE

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required. 

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.