Principal Electrical Engineer - Avionics

Principal Electrical Engineer - Avionics

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (On-Site)

A leading aviation technology company is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer – Avionics to join their specialized electronics division. This role offers the opportunity to design next-generation systems for military and commercial aircraft, playing a pivotal part in a team set to evolve into a full-fledged avionics consultancy. If you're looking for high-impact, hands-on work across the full product lifecycle, this is your chance to lead innovation from the ground up.

This is a highly autonomous role where you’ll be supported by a leadership team made up of engineers, for engineers. You’ll gain direct exposure to end users like the U.S. Navy and Air Force and have the opportunity to shape engineering strategy, lead technical initiatives, and bring modernization to legacy systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end development of analog, digital, and embedded systems for avionics hardware, including circuit design, layout, and integration.
• Spearhead reliability and environmental testing for safety-critical aerospace electronics, ensuring compliance with DO-160 and DO-254.
• Interface directly with military and aerospace clients to define specifications, provide technical direction, and deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software developers, technicians, and external engineers to test and certify new designs.
• Oversee obsolescence management strategies (DMSMS), from component identification to reverse engineering and re-certification of avionics equipment.
• Own schematic capture, BOM development, prototype builds, and test validation for refurbished or redesigned systems.
• Conduct reverse engineering projects on legacy avionics systems, including analysis, documentation, and design-for-replacement.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on cross-disciplinary design reviews and product evolution discussions.
• Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams to validate alternative parts and maintain long-term hardware supportability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in aerospace or defense electronics design, including analog and digital circuit design and embedded systems.
• Expertise in ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and CAN bus protocols.
• Proficiency with tools like Altium, Cadence, or Mentor Graphics for PCB development and circuit simulation platforms like Spice or Keysight ADS.
• Strong grasp of aerospace certification standards (DO-254, DO-160, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to reverse engineer legacy electronics and lead redesign projects from initial teardown through full lifecycle replacement.
• S. Citizenship required due to government contract involvement.

Preferred:

• Background in FPGA or ASIC development is a plus.
• Familiarity with avionics applications such as power protection, airborne radar, or radio navigation.
• Experience collaborating with FAA or EASA regulatory teams on compliance or certification efforts.
• Prior exposure to small engineering teams where cross-discipline flexibility is required.

Why Join:

• Autonomy and Impact: Shape how the engineering function evolves as the company builds out a full-service consultancy arm.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Direct contact with a GM who is also an electrical engineer - no micromanagement, just mentorship.
• Career Growth: Train on new tools, drive innovation, and gain access to enterprise-level clients across aerospace and defense.
• Voice at the Top: Engineers work closely with company leadership and are empowered to influence direction.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS