Avionics Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Avionics Design Manager

Company: Ursa Major

Location: Longmont, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Avionics & Systems Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team focused on FPGA design, verification, firmware/software development, and avionics test engineering for advanced aerospace and defense systems.

• Drive the development, integration, verification, qualification, and production transition of mission-critical avionics hardware and associated software throughout the product lifecycle.

• Ensure the consistent application of robust engineering processes, design reviews, verification plans, configuration management, and quality standards, while maintaining program agility.

• Provide strategic technical leadership and organizational direction for FPGA architecture, verification strategies, automated test development, and system integration initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical engineering leadership position within Ursa Major's avionics division, focusing on the end-to-end lifecycle management of complex hardware and software systems. The emphasis on "mission-critical" and "national security demands" highlights the high-stakes nature of the work, requiring meticulous attention to detail, rigorous process adherence, and strong risk management capabilities, aligning with typical GTM (Go-to-Market) operations principles in highly regulated industries.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and direct an integrated engineering organization encompassing FPGA design, FPGA verification, firmware/software development, and electrical test engineering functions.

• Oversee the full product lifecycle for avionics hardware and software, from initial concept and development through integration, verification, qualification, and successful transition to production.

• Implement and enforce robust engineering processes, including rigorous design reviews, comprehensive verification plans, effective configuration management, and adherence to stringent quality standards, ensuring agility to meet dynamic program schedules.

• Provide decisive technical leadership and strategic organizational direction for all aspects of FPGA architecture, sophisticated verification methodologies, development of automated test solutions, and complex system integration activities.

• Lead team staffing, optimize workload balancing, spearhead hiring efforts, mentor junior engineers, and foster professional development across diverse engineering disciplines.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive department resource plans that are precisely aligned with program priorities and overarching strategic business objectives.

• Own and drive department schedule execution, ensuring technical performance metrics are met and key milestones are achieved across multiple concurrent programs.

• Proactively monitor and transparently communicate program health, identify technical risks, articulate staffing needs, and report execution status to the Avionics Director.

• Identify critical technical, schedule, and cost risks, and then develop and implement robust mitigation plans across all relevant engineering organizations.

• Foster a culture of strong collaboration between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Program Management to continuously enhance product development processes and production readiness.

• Actively support proposal efforts, contribute to technology roadmaps, guide make/buy decisions, and participate in strategic planning for the expansion of avionics development capabilities.

• Provide essential technical oversight and guidance for subcontractors and suppliers involved in FPGA, firmware, and avionics test development activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior engineering manager in the aerospace and defense sector, emphasizing not just technical oversight but also significant people management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership. This role requires a strong understanding of the entire product development lifecycle, from R&D to production, and the ability to manage complex interdependencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in developing complex FPGA-based digital systems, embedded software, avionics electronics, or sophisticated automated test systems.

• 3+ years of dedicated engineering leadership experience, specifically managing and guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex hardware/software development efforts from initial concept and design through rigorous qualification and into full-scale production. Required Skills:

• Profound understanding of FPGA development principles, digital design techniques, advanced verification methodologies, embedded software architecture, and the intricacies of electrical test systems.

• Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams within a high-pressure, fast-paced development environment where rapid iteration and quality are paramount.

• Exceptional communication, organizational, and proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and direct engineering talent.

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident) with the ability to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations and specific program requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing avionics or mission-critical electronics specifically for aerospace or defense applications, understanding sector-specific requirements.

• Hands-on experience with advanced FPGA development and verification methodologies, including proficiency in SystemVerilog and the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM).

• Experience managing the development of embedded software and automated test software, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.

• Familiarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments, qualification testing procedures, and environmental testing protocols for electronic hardware.

• Experience with robust configuration management practices, requirements traceability tools, and established engineering lifecycle processes.

• Proven experience managing technical execution across multiple concurrent programs, effectively balancing priorities and resources.

• Experience in project or program management, demonstrating an ability to deliver on time and within budget.

• Active U.S. Department of Defense Security Clearance or the demonstrated ability to obtain and maintain one.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in FPGA and embedded systems, coupled with proven leadership experience. The "U.S. Person" requirement is critical due to ITAR/EAR regulations, common in defense-related roles. The preferred skills point towards a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with advanced verification methodologies (SystemVerilog, UVM) and experience in highly regulated environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex hardware/software development projects managed from inception through to production, demonstrating end-to-end lifecycle oversight.

• Include detailed case studies of at least one significant process improvement initiative led within an engineering team, highlighting measurable efficiency gains or quality enhancements.

• Provide examples of system architecture designs or significant feature implementations for FPGA or embedded systems, detailing the design choices and their rationale.

• Present evidence of successful technical risk mitigation strategies implemented on challenging projects, ideally with quantifiable outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with formal design review processes (e.g., PDR, CDR) and provide examples of documentation generated for such reviews.

• Showcase experience with verification planning and execution, including test plan development, test case creation, and results analysis for FPGA or embedded software.

• Provide examples of workflow optimization or automation implemented within an engineering team, illustrating the problem, solution, and impact.

• Illustrate experience with configuration management tools and processes, including version control, branching strategies, and release management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role, the portfolio should emphasize leadership, process management, and strategic decision-making rather than just individual technical contributions. Candidates should highlight their ability to manage teams, implement best practices, and drive successful project outcomes, showcasing their impact on efficiency and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 per year (based on Colorado state law)

Benefits:

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes vacation, sick leave, personal days, and bereavement leave, offering flexibility for work-life balance.

• Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave: Comprehensive support for new parents.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to cover employee health needs.

• Tax Advantage Accounts: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for tax-efficient healthcare spending.

• Employer-Paid Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Basic Life Insurance, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options include Voluntary Life Insurance and Emergency Medical Transport services.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401k with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Equity Grants: Opportunity to receive stock options or grants, aligning employee success with company growth.

Working Hours:

• Full-time Exempt position, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week, but with the expectation of dedication to meeting project deadlines and responsibilities, common in engineering leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to Colorado. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance (unlimited PTO, parental leave) and long-term financial well-being (401k match, equity). This is highly attractive for experienced professionals. The "Exempt" classification means the employee is not eligible for overtime pay.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Propulsion Systems, Hypersonics, Satellite Technology. Ursa Major operates at the cutting edge of national security technology, aiming to revolutionize propulsion systems.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of multiple engineering disciplines, cross-functional coordination, and potential for proposal efforts suggests a growing, medium-to-large sized organization, likely with a significant engineering headcount.

Founded: Founded to address urgent national security demands, implying a mission-driven culture focused on innovation, speed, and reliability in a highly regulated sector.

Team Structure:

• The Avionics department is a key engineering function, likely comprising several specialized sub-teams (FPGA Design, FPGA Verification, Firmware/Software, Test Engineering).

• The Avionics Manager reports to the Avionics Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the engineering leadership.

• Close collaboration is expected with Program Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure. Methodology:

• Emphasis on robust engineering processes, design reviews, verification plans, and quality standards, indicating a structured approach to product development.

• Agile practices are mentioned in the context of maintaining schedule responsiveness, suggesting a hybrid approach to development methodologies.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for performance monitoring, risk assessment, and metrics-based communication.

Company Website: https://ursamajor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ursa Major appears to be a rapidly growing company in a high-stakes industry. The culture likely balances intense technical focus and rigorous process adherence with the agility needed for rapid innovation in defense and aerospace. Collaboration and a strong sense of mission are probably key cultural drivers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, positioned as an "Avionics Design Manager." It sits above individual contributor and lead engineer roles, responsible for a team of engineers and for the technical output of a specific engineering domain within avionics.

Reporting Structure: The Avionics Design Manager reports to the Avionics Director. This role will also manage a team of engineers across multiple disciplines (FPGA Design, Verification, Firmware/Software, Test).

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the company's ability to deliver on its mission-critical propulsion and defense systems. Successful management of avionics development ensures the reliability, performance, and timely delivery of core product components, directly influencing program success, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level management roles, such as Avionics Director, VP of Engineering, or CTO, overseeing broader engineering functions.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of avionics, FPGA design, or systems engineering, potentially becoming a Principal Engineer or Technical Fellow.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transition into program management roles or leadership positions in related operational areas like Systems Engineering, Product Development, or Manufacturing Engineering.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in shaping the company's technology roadmap, strategic planning, and business development efforts related to avionics capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a growing, high-impact organization. The combination of technical depth and management responsibilities provides a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities in the aerospace and defense sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Longmont, Colorado, and is designated as "On-site." This suggests a traditional office and laboratory environment where collaboration, access to specialized equipment, and direct team interaction are essential.

Office Location(s): Longmont, Colorado. This location is known for its proximity to the Denver tech corridor and offers a balance of urban amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will likely involve a mix of office-based work for planning, meetings, and design reviews, and potentially lab-based work for overseeing test setups or hardware integration.

• Access to advanced engineering tools, simulation software, lab equipment, and potentially cleanroom facilities may be expected.

• Frequent face-to-face collaboration with a diverse engineering team, as well as cross-functional partners in manufacturing, supply chain, and program management. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, exempt status. While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the demands of managing complex projects in aerospace and defense often require flexibility and dedication beyond standard hours, especially during critical project phases or deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, indicating the need for hands-on management, team presence, and access to physical resources typical in hardware development environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Avionics Director to evaluate technical leadership, management experience, and strategic thinking. Focus on past leadership successes, team management philosophies, and understanding of the aerospace/defense domain.

• Technical Panel Interview: Interviews with key engineering leads or senior engineers from FPGA, Firmware, and Test teams. This assesses technical depth, understanding of methodologies, and ability to collaborate with technical experts. Expect questions on FPGA design/verification strategies, embedded software challenges, and test automation approaches.

• Cross-functional Interview: Conversation with peers or stakeholders from Program Management, Manufacturing, or Quality Assurance to assess collaboration skills, cross-functional understanding, and ability to integrate efforts.

• Executive/Director Interview: Final interview with a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Engineering) to discuss overall company vision, strategic alignment, and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Leadership Focus: Highlight projects where you led teams, managed resources, and drove technical direction. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

• Process & Metrics: For each project, clearly articulate the engineering processes followed (design reviews, verification plans, configuration management) and the metrics used to track progress and success (schedule adherence, defect rates, performance benchmarks).

• Problem-Solving: Prepare detailed examples of complex technical or managerial challenges you've faced and how you systematically approached and resolved them. Emphasize your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Tailoring: Be ready to discuss how your experience and approach align with Ursa Major's mission and the specific demands of avionics development in the defense sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "How would you handle a critical schedule delay?", "How would you motivate a team facing a difficult technical problem?", "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between programs."

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Prepare questions for the interviewers that demonstrate your strategic thinking, interest in the company's mission, and understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage and rigorous, typical for leadership roles in the defense industry. A strong portfolio demonstrating leadership, process management, and technical oversight is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss strategic problem-solving and their ability to manage complex, mission-critical projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• FPGA Design & Verification: Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, ModelSim/QuestaSim, Synopsys VCS, Cadence Incisive/Xcelium. Proficiency with SystemVerilog and UVM is highly preferred.

• Embedded Software Development: C/C++, RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, RTEMS), IDEs (e.g., Eclipse, Visual Studio Code), compilers, debuggers.

• Electrical Test & Measurement: LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, National Instruments hardware, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power supplies.

• Version Control & Configuration Management: Git, SVN, Perforce.

• Requirements Management: DOORS, Jama Connect, or similar tools for traceability.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking team performance, project status, and technical metrics. This may include internal dashboards or standard project management software. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly CRM-focused, understanding of how avionics systems integrate into larger platforms and the associated data requirements is valuable. Automation will be key in test and verification processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned are industry-standard for FPGA, embedded systems, and avionics development. A strong manager will not only be familiar with these tools but also understand how to leverage them effectively for team productivity, quality, and efficient development cycles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong dedication to the company's mission of revolutionizing propulsion and serving national security needs. This translates to a drive for excellence and a sense of purpose in daily work.

• Technical Rigor: Commitment to high standards in design, verification, and testing, recognizing the critical nature of the products.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse engineering disciplines and with other departments to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Agility: A drive to push technological boundaries while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to evolving requirements and schedules.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project outcomes, technical decisions, and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be highly collaborative, fostering open communication and knowledge sharing within the avionics team and with cross-functional departments.

• Will involve regular participation in design reviews, technical discussions, and problem-solving sessions.

• The management style likely emphasizes empowering teams while providing clear direction and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely shaped by the high-stakes nature of the aerospace and defense industry, demanding precision, reliability, and a strong sense of collective responsibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Managing the development of highly complex, cutting-edge avionics systems with stringent performance and reliability requirements.

• Schedule Pressure: Balancing aggressive program schedules with the need for thorough design, verification, and qualification processes.

• Resource Management: Optimizing staffing, budget, and equipment resources across multiple concurrent programs and engineering disciplines.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining top engineering talent in a competitive market, particularly for specialized roles like FPGA design and verification.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating ITAR/EAR regulations and other government contracting requirements, ensuring all processes and deliverables meet compliance standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Skills Enhancement: Opportunities to hone management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership skills through direct experience and potentially company-sponsored training.

• Industry Exposure: Deepening knowledge of aerospace and defense technologies, market dynamics, and customer needs.

• Technical Deep Dive: While managing, there are opportunities to stay abreast of advancements in FPGA technology, embedded systems, and testing methodologies.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leadership and to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly tied to growth opportunities. Overcoming these challenges will build a strong resume and prepare individuals for more senior roles in the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary engineering team through a complex project lifecycle, from concept to production." (Focus on process, communication, and risk management.)

• "How do you ensure technical rigor and quality while maintaining schedule agility in a fast-paced development environment?" (Highlight balance, prioritization, and process optimization.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage significant technical or schedule risk on a project. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Use STAR method; emphasize proactive problem-solving.)

• "How do you foster collaboration between engineering teams and with other departments like Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management?" (Provide specific examples of cross-functional initiatives.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Ursa Major's mission and our role in the aerospace and defense industry?" (Research the company's specific projects and values.)

• "How do you align your management style with a mission-driven, innovative company culture?" (Connect your leadership philosophy to Ursa Major's stated values.)

• "Describe your experience with ITAR/EAR regulations and managing projects under such constraints." (Demonstrate awareness and compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership, technical oversight, and process management skills.

• For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The problem/objective.
  • Your role and team's responsibilities.
  • The processes and methodologies employed (design, verification, testing, configuration management).
  • Key technical challenges and how they were overcome.
  • Measurable results (schedule, performance, quality, cost).

• Be prepared to discuss specific tools and technologies used, and why certain choices were made.

• Practice explaining complex technical details in a clear, concise manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership competence, strategic thinking, a deep understanding of engineering processes in regulated industries, and alignment with Ursa Major's mission. The portfolio is a critical tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Avionics Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ursa Major careers page.

• Customize your Resume: Highlight leadership experience, management of multidisciplinary teams, and specific accomplishments in FPGA design, embedded software, and avionics testing. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Reduced verification time by X%", "Managed a team of Y engineers").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather documentation or case studies that exemplify your leadership in managing complex hardware/software development lifecycles, process improvements, and technical risk mitigation. Be ready to present key aspects of these projects.

• Research Ursa Major: Understand their mission, key technologies (propulsion, hypersonics), and recent news. Prepare thoughtful questions about their engineering challenges, team structure, and company culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and clearly articulating your leadership philosophy and technical approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.