Avionics Systems Engineering Lead in Farnborough

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, with a 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.

This Avionics Systems Engineering Lead position in AALTO will support the development and integration of avionics systems for our high‑altitude, long‑endurance (HAPS/UAV) platform. The role coordinates systems engineering activities across communications, navigation, surveillance, SATCOM, payloads, and ground systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Guiding the team, supporting compliance activities, and assisting with supplier coordination to deliver safe, certifiable solutions.
• Working closely with our aircraft, ground, operations, safety, and certification teams and may support CVE activities when delegated.
• Contributing to system integration, verification, and mission readiness throughout the programme lifecycle.

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with a strong technical background who is looking to take the next step into leadership.

Other Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary avionics systems engineering team.
• Support development and maintenance of avionics architecture under guidance from senior engineering leadership.
• Manage avionics requirements: elicitation, traceability, verification, validation, and configuration control.
• Lead system design and integration readiness reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Coordinate with suppliers to support specifications, qualification evidence, and integration readiness.
• Ensure compliance with ARP4754, ARP4761, DO‑178, DO‑254, and applicable UAV/HAPS regulations.
• Oversee SATCOM and data‑link integration (e.g., Iridium, Inmarsat, Viasat, Starlink).
• Promote model‑based systems engineering and alignment of models/simulations with verification plans.
• Produce technical documentation and present status updates to stakeholders.

Our Requirements For This Role:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Systems, Aerospace, Electronics, or related engineering discipline.
• Proven avionics systems engineering experience, ideally in HAPS/UAV or aerospace programmes.
• Experience leading a team or a project lead.
• Solid foundation in avionics architecture, requirements ownership, and system integration.
• Proficiency with requirement management tools (like DOORS, Jama or Jira), and system‑level verification planning.
• Extensive experience with avionics and ground‑system integration, testing, and supplier management.
• Deep knowledge of ARP4754, ARP4761, DO‑178, DO‑254, and UAV/HAPS regulatory frameworks is very desirable.
• Also desirable: SATCOM integration experience, MBSE tools (e.g., Simulink), UAV certification liaison, CVE eligibility.

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you’ll experience the freedom of flexible working that enables you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.