What are the responsibilities and job description for the Avionics Hardware Manager position at SCEYE INC?
Avionics Hardware Manager
Status: Full Time, exempt
Location: Moriarty, NM
Who Are We:
Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications, imaging and remote sensing infrastructure through stratospheric platforms. Our lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems (LTA HAPS) are capable of maintaining position over an operational area in the stratosphere (altitudes of 18 – 21km). They can carry multiple telecommunications, imaging and remote sensing payloads, providing unique functionality, cost, environmental and societal advantages.
Our HAPS be deployed in a matter of days and at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure solutions. This makes them an ideal solution for providing telecommunications connectivity, emergency solutions in the event of natural or other disasters, environmental and infrastructure monitoring, Earth observation and a range of defense applications.
Our customers & partners include some of the largest global telecommunications companies, infrastructure operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you to join us at the stratospheric edge of innovation. As part of our mission-driven team, you’ll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that are changing the way we connect and observe the world. We are looking for individuals who bring not only deep expertise but also bold vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
About the Position:
The Avionics Hardware Manager is responsible for managing the design, development, integration, and validation of avionics hardware systems for Sceye’s high-altitude platform. This role blends people leadership, technical oversight, and strategic planning, with accountability for building and scaling an avionics hardware team as the program grows.
This position manages engineers today and is expected to grow and develop a high-performing avionics hardware team over time, while ensuring hardware solutions meet performance, safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is an experienced avionics engineer who has successfully transitioned into management, enjoys developing people, and can still engage at a technical level when needed.
What We’re Looking For:
People Management & Team Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop the avionics hardware engineering team, including performance management, coaching, and career development
- Plan for and support future team growth, including hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning as the program scales
- Set clear goals, priorities, and expectations aligned with program and company objectives
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
- Support employee engagement and retention through effective leadership and
communication
Technical Oversight & Engineering Excellence
- Provide technical oversight for the design and development of avionics hardware, including power distribution, flight computers, sensors, communications, and interfaces
- Guide hardware architecture decisions, trade studies, and technical risk assessments
- Review and approve schematics, PCB designs, and layout reviews
- Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, environmental, and safety requirements
- Balance hands-on technical involvement with managerial responsibilities, as appropriate
Integration, Test & Verification
- Oversee hardware bring-up, system integration, and verification activities
- Ensure appropriate environmental, functional, and qualification testing is planned and executed (vibration, thermal, EMI/EMC, etc.)
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of hardware issues during development, integration, and flight testing
- Ensure readiness for flight and operational milestones
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Program Support
- Partner closely with software, systems, structures, manufacturing, quality, and flight operations teams
- Contribute to system requirements definition, allocation, and traceability
- Represent the avionics hardware team in program reviews and leadership discussions
- Participate in and support design reviews (PDR, CDR, readiness reviews)
Documentation, Compliance & Process
- Ensure timely and accurate documentation of designs, analyses, test procedures, and results
- Support compliance with applicable aerospace standards and internal quality processes
- Oversee configuration management and change control for avionics hardware
- Continuously improve engineering processes, tools, and best practices
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- 8 years of experience in avionics or aerospace hardware development
- Demonstrated people management experience, including performance management and mentoring
- Strong technical background in:
- Avionics systems architecture
- Analog and digital circuit design
- PCB schematic capture and layout review
- Power systems and signal integrity
- Experience overseeing hardware testing, debugging, and environmental qualification
- Ability to lead teams while maintaining sufficient technical depth to guide engineering decisions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience building or scaling engineering teams
- Experience with high-altitude platforms, UAVs, space, or flight-critical systems
- Familiarity with DO-160, DO-254, or similar aerospace standards
- Experience supporting flight testing and operational readiness
- Strong communication, leadership, and documentation skills
What We Offer:
At Sceye, we’re building more than high-altitude platforms—we’re building a workplace where people (and their pups) thrive. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:
- Chef-Prepared Lunches – Fresh, onsite meals to keep you fueled and focused.
- Snacks & Refreshments – Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
- Wellness Perks – Access to a gym, pickleball court, and an outdoor dog kennel.
- Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your four-legged friends to work and enjoy a pet-welcoming space.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, with over 82% of premiums covered—and 100% for everything else.
- 401(k) with Match – Company contributions that are yours from day one.
- High-Performance Culture – Join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your work helps shape the future of aerospace.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Sceye is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and innovate. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us—we’re happy to assist.