Principal Systems Engineer (2026-047)

As a Principal Systems Engineer at Astronics AES, your primary mission will be to contribute to business growth by designing next-generation aircraft power systems. You will leverage your technical acumen and innovative mindset to create electrical power solutions that deliver significant improvements in weight, cost, and reliability. You will be expected to lead the definition and verification of Line-Replaceable Unit (LRU) requirements. Within three months, you should be spearheading the requirements definition and verification activities for multiple aircraft power products. This role demands a combination of technical expertise, customer interaction, and collaborative teamwork to ensure the successful development of cutting-edge power systems for airborne applications., 1. Innovative Power Systems Development: Utilize your extensive experience to design and develop electrical power systems, emphasizing innovations that offer weight, cost, and reliability benefits over traditional solutions. Lead the LRU requirements definition and verification process.

1. Business Pursuits: Analyze customer requirements for new business pursuits, and author proposal technical volume and compliance matrices aligned with the APC product line vision.

2. Customer Credibility: Engage with customers to establish yourself as a trusted expert in aircraft electrical power systems design and certification. Build and maintain key relationships to enhance Astronics AES’s reputation as the industry leader in aircraft power solutions.

3. Technology Trade-Off Assessment: Stay abreast of new technology trends and regulatory guidance updates in power systems. Provide insightful recommendations based on practical experience and certification standards, while assisting with internal R&D and development of technical roadmaps.

4. High-Performance Team Environment: Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software engineers, test engineers, technicians, mechanical engineers, program management, manufacturing, and supply chain to achieve project success.

5. Internal Technical Leadership: Foster cooperative working relationships with internal engineering teams, offering technical guidance, conducting peer reviews, and providing mentorship. Contribute to the growth and development of less experienced engineers and ensure the quality and reliability of power system designs.

Required ‘Must Haves’:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline.

• Experience in requirements capture and management.

• Ability to author technical documents, including specifications and plans.

• Proven experience presenting technical information to customers and management.

• Experience with following a defined system development process.

Important, but not Necessarily Showstoppers:

• Experience in aerospace.

• Knowledge of ARP4754A and DO-160 standards.

• Expertise in aircraft electrical power system components.

• Familiarity with requirement capture tools.

Additional ‘Nice-to-Haves’:

• Aerospace cybersecurity experience (DO-326, DO-356).

• Process improvement experience.

• Proficiency in electrical systems simulation.

• Experience in writing proposals.

• Familiarity with Polarion software.

• As a US Department of Defense Contractor, this position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing pre-employment background check and drug test including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $152,072 - $242,920 annually (Mid-point: $197,496). Factors such as education, experience, skills and market conditions will help determine your actual salary.

• Additionally, Astronics offers a highly competitive Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Health & Well-Being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Optional plans include critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity coverage.

• Financial Security: 401K plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.

• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is expanding its team within the Airborne Power & Control (APC) Product Group in Kirkland, WA and is seeking a highly skilled Principal Systems Engineer to join us.

Join Astronics AES and bring your technical prowess and innovative mindset to our team of expert problem solvers. Contribute to the future of advanced airborne power systems and solidify your career with a leader in the aerospace industry., About the Organization Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets., Astronics