Avionics Systems Engineering Manager 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, 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

This Avionics Systems Engineering Manager 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. The position works closely with our aircraft, ground, operations, safety, and certification teams and may support CVE activities when delegated. It contributes to system integration, verification, and mission readiness throughout the programme lifecycle.

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Significant experience leading avionics systems engineering teams.
• Solid foundation in avionics architecture, requirements ownership, and system integration.
• Proficiency with requirement management tools (e.g., 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.

Benefits

As part of our team, you will experience the freedom of flexible working that enables you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We provide a fantastic bonus scheme and a competitive pension plan to support your financial security and future growth.

Equal Opportunity

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