Principal Engineer - Airborne Hardware

• ARINC 818 Expertise:
• Serve as the primary technical authority for all aspects of ARINC 818 design, including Fibre Channel protocols, video formats, timing, and link integrity.
• Lead the architectural definition, detailed design, and implementation of ARINC 818 interfaces for advanced avionics systems.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and procedures for ARINC 818 compliance, robustness, and performance validation, often leveraging custom test rigs and advanced instrumentation.
• Pioneer and refine simulation methodologies for ARINC 818 links, including model development, analysis of signal integrity, and performance prediction in complex system environments.
• VHDL Development & FPGA Design:
• Design, develop, and verify complex VHDL code for high-performance FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx) used in mission-critical aerospace applications.
• Expertise in FPGA architecture, floor planning, timing closure, synthesis, and place and route optimization for challenging aerospace requirements.
• Implement digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms and video processing pipelines within FPGAs.
• Develop comprehensive verification environments using VHDL, UVM, or other appropriate methodologies to ensure design integrity and functional correctness.
• Hardware Design Leadership:
• Lead the full lifecycle hardware development for airborne electronic systems, from requirements definition and conceptual design through detailed design, integration, verification, and production support.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of power consumption, component stress, worst-case tolerances, and reliability for critical hardware components.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Systems Engineering, Software Development, and Manufacturing, to ensure seamless integration and optimal system performance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level hardware engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Certification & Compliance:
• Deep understanding and proven experience with aerospace certification standards.
• Contribute to the generation and review of airworthiness documentation, including hardware design plans, technical requirements, functional specifications, design specifications, qualification test plans and reports.
• Ensure designs adhere to industry best practices, internal standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Problem Solving & Innovation:
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex hardware issues, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and research in digital video, high-speed interfaces, and FPGA technology to drive innovation.
• Propose and implement design improvements for existing products, focusing on quality, cost reduction, and component obsolescence management.

Do you have experience in VHDL?, Do you have a Master’s degree?, * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in hardware design and development within the aerospace or defense industry.
• Extensive experience with VHDL for complex FPGA development in aerospace applications.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of digital circuit design principles, high-speed digital interfaces, and signal integrity.
• Proficiency with electronic design automation (EDA) tools for schematic capture, simulation (e.g., ModelSim/QuestaSim, Vivado Simulator), and FPGA development (e.g., Xilinx, Vivado).
• Experience with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative, and highly regulated environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with other aerospace data bus standards.
• Experience with Python or other scripting languages for test automation and data analysis.

Pulled from the full job description

• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Health insurance, * 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Pet insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Great River Technology is a pioneering leader in high-performance digital video and data development tools and services tailored for the aerospace industry. Since 1996, we’ve established strategic partnerships with top-tier commercial and military organizations worldwide, including major aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, and aerospace innovators.