Head of Avionics

Head of Avionics

The Exploration Company

Munich, Germany

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary avionics team across the full development lifecycle (concept - qualification - integration).
• Define system requirements and architecture for avionics, communication, and power systems.
• Oversee make elements: breadboarding, PCB design, FPGA programming, integration, testing, qualification.
• Manage buy elements: supplier selection, hardware development oversight, delivery of qualified equipment.
• Ensure power system design meets mission requirements, closing power budgets and validating ConOps alignment.
• Collaborate with software, GNC, and flight computing teams to deliver coherent system architecture.
• Set up and manage Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments for mission-level simulations and fault management validation.

Day-to-Day Duties

• Avionics System Design: Lead design and development of mission-critical avionics (flight control, communications, etc.).
• Requirements Analysis: Translate system-level requirements into detailed avionics specifications.
• Simulation & Modelling: Use simulation tools to verify performance, safety, and reliability; optimise designs.
• Prototyping & Testing:
  • Build prototypes with electronics engineers.
  • Conduct board-level and equipment-level testing.
  • Troubleshoot through iterative testing.
• Documentation: Prepare ICDs, BOMs, assembly procedures, verification plans, and test reports; maintain design change records.
• Collaboration: Work with mechanical, software, RAMS, and integration teams to ensure seamless system-level integration.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and emerging avionics technologies.

What We Would Love to See

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in avionics design for aerospace applications.
• Proficiency in avionics design tools and software.
• Understanding of space-relevant standards (ECSS, MIL-STD, NASA-HBK).
• Knowledge of safety-critical design principles.
• Familiarity with RAMS (FMECA, FDIR, reliability, maintainability, safety).
• Awareness of environmental & reliability considerations in avionics.
• Basic knowledge of VHDL/Verilog.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• 6–10+ years of leadership experience, including multinational team leadership.
• High attention to detail in design, analysis, documentation.
• Hands-on mindset for testing and debugging.
• Experience with EEE components and EMI/EMC is a plus.