Job Title: Lead Avionics Engineer Aircraft ModificationsJob DescriptionThis role leads an avionics design team responsible for designing, integrating, and certifying avionics systems for general aviation, business, transport, and military derivative aircraft. You will guide engineers through major aircraft modifications and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) projects, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and organizational design standards. The position combines hands-on technical review with leadership responsibilities, supporting complex avionics integration in a fast-paced, special missions modification environment.Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and day-to-day leadership to the avionics design team, including setting priorities, clarifying expectations, and supporting team development.
- Track labor and resource utilization for the avionics design team to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget.
- Conduct employee performance appraisals and provide coaching, feedback, and guidance to support professional growth.
- Coordinate closely with management and other team leads to establish project priorities, identify issues, and allocate resources to meet organizational goals.
- Review project requirements and Statements of Work to fully understand scope, deliverables, and technical constraints for avionics modification projects.
- Review and approve interconnect drawings for all affected avionics systems using AutoCAD and PLM tools, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with standards.
- Evaluate installation data packages, including systems and electrical fabrication drawings, assembly and installation drawings, master data lists, and technical reports, to ensure they meet project and certification requirements.
- Apply electrical engineering standards to drawing development by conducting technical reviews, guiding the team, and enforcing CAD templates, formats, and standards.
- Oversee the design, integration, modification, and certification of aircraft avionics and mission systems, particularly in a special missions or aircraft modification environment.
- Ensure avionics designs and modifications comply with FAA major alteration and STC requirements, as well as ODA processes under Part 21.
- Collaborate with certification and engineering stakeholders to support major alterations and STC development managed by both the FAA and the ODA.
- Prepare and review technical documentation, reports, and presentations that clearly communicate engineering decisions, design rationales, and certification compliance.
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail in all engineering reviews, documentation, and approvals to maintain high safety and quality standards.
- Effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining a positive, solutions-focused attitude in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Participate in meetings and presentations with internal and external stakeholders to discuss project status, technical issues, and certification strategies.
- Travel up to approximately 10% of the time to support program needs, on-site reviews, or coordination with external partners.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, or demonstrated equivalent industry experience.
- At least 5+ years of experience in avionics engineering, aircraft modification, aircraft systems integration, or a closely related aerospace engineering discipline.
- Demonstrated experience designing, integrating, modifying, and certifying aircraft avionics and/or mission systems, ideally within a special missions or aircraft modification environment.
- Working knowledge of aircraft certification and modification processes, including FAA major alterations, Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), and ODA processes under Part 21.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience providing engineering leadership, technical guidance, or project leadership (preferred).
- Proficiency with AutoCAD or comparable engineering/CAD tools for creating and reviewing interconnect and installation drawings.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
- Strong technical writing skills for preparing clear and comprehensive engineering documentation and reports.
- Strong verbal communication and presentation skills to effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety in avionics design and certification.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment while maintaining a positive and collaborative attitude.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 10% of the time as required by project needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working within an ODA environment or similar delegated authority framework is beneficial.
- Experience with systems integration software and tools used in avionics or aircraft systems development.
- Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software to manage drawings, data, and configuration control.
- Prior involvement in special mission aircraft modifications, including mission system integration, is highly advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
- Comfort working with cross-functional teams, including certification, program management, and production.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues early and implement effective technical and organizational solutions.
Work EnvironmentThis is a full-time, on-site role with a standard Monday through Friday schedule, typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The work environment centers on aircraft modification and avionics integration projects, involving close collaboration with engineering, certification, and production teams. You will regularly use AutoCAD, PLM systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite to develop and review engineering documentation and drawings. The role supports a professional, detail-oriented setting where safety, compliance, and quality are paramount. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including multiple medical plan options, HSA/FSA accounts, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match, fully paid parental leave for all new parents, generous paid time off, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability coverage, AD&D coverage, pet insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, and subsidized gym memberships or wellness plans through Wellhub. The culture emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and worklife balance within a structured, engineering-focused environment. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Tampa, FL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $170000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Comprehensive medical plan options HSA/FSA accounts Dental and vision coverage 6% employer 401(k) match Fully paid parental leave for all new parents Generous PTO Life and disability insurance Long-term and Short-term disability coverage AD&D Coverage Pet Insurance Employee Assistance Program Subsidized gym membership / plans throughWellhub Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Tampa, FL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Tampa,FL.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.