Principal Systems Architect – Avionics Networking

Job Description Summary

Help define the future of flight at GE Aerospace! As Principal Systems Architect – Avionics Networking, you will be the senior technical leader for GE Aerospace’s avionics networking portfolio within the ION (Input/Output & Networking) organization. You will shape the architecture, technology roadmap, and certification approach for deterministic airborne networks supporting civil and military aircraft platforms.

You will serve as Design Technical Authority (DTA) for avionics networking products, governing architecture decisions, technical baselines, and the DO-254/DO-178C certification approach, so that our solutions are competitive, reusable across programs, and certifiable. Your decisions will set the technical direction for engineering teams and customers across the portfolio.

This position is based on-site in Grand Rapids, MI. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the architecture and technology roadmap for the avionics networking portfolio, including ARINC 664 (AFDX), Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), and related Ethernet-based avionics networks.

• Serve as Design Technical Authority (DTA), providing final technical decisions on architecture, requirements baselines, and design trades for avionics networking products.

• Own the certification approach for networking products (ARP4754A, DO-254, DO-178C DAL A, DO-297 as applicable), including hardware/software partitioning and engagement in SOIs, audits, and closure of findings.

• Provide deep technical authority on deterministic networking, including ARINC 664 Part 7 and TSN (IEEE 802.1AS/Qbv/Qci/CB), to guide protocol, hardware, and software design.

• Drive architecture reuse and commonality across programs while managing customer-specific requirements in a disciplined, controlled way.

• Lead technical reviews, including architecture, requirements, design, and code reviews, and drive resolution of critical technical risks and trade studies.

• Partner with Engineering Project Managers, technical managers, and subject matter experts to align technical plans with schedule, cost, and resource commitments.

• Assist project and program leadership in resolving engineering issues related to design, validation, integration, verification, safety, certification, closure, and field support.

• Represent GE Aerospace avionics networking with customers, airframers, suppliers, and certification authorities. Support business development, RFP/RFI responses, and competitive positioning.

• Analyze market and technology trends, competitive offerings, and obsolescence drivers to inform the technology roadmap and IRAD priorities.

• Mentor senior engineers and subject matter experts, and build networking technical competency across the organization.

• Travel up to 15%.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, or another STEM field) from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in avionics or safety-critical systems design, architecture, integration, or verification.

• Deep technical expertise in avionics networking, including ARINC 664 Part 7 (AFDX) and/or Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).

• Demonstrated experience leading technical architecture and certification for DAL A hardware and/or software programs (DO-254, DO-178C).

• This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

Desired Characteristics

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

• Prior experience as a Design Technical Authority, Chief Engineer, Principal Architect, or Lead Architect.

• Experience defining system architectures for reuse across multiple customers and aircraft programs.

• Experience with avionics networking hardware and software development, including FPGA-based designs.

• Working knowledge of ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-297, and DO-160.

• Experience with integrated modular avionics (IMA) programs and customer engagement.

• Experience interfacing with certification authorities (FAA/EASA) or their designees.

• Familiarity with MBSE tools (Cameo/Teamwork Cloud) and requirements tools (IBM DOORS).

• Ability to influence without direct authority and build alignment across engineering, program, and business stakeholders.

• Strong strategic thinking with excellent communication and presentation skills for executive and customer audiences.

The base pay range for this position is $130,000.00 - $173,000.00 USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 12/31/26.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf) . Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.