Lead Firmware Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Please note: This is an on-site position that requires the selected candidate to work from our Phoenix, AZ, office. This is not a remote role.

Acron Aviation is a global leader in commercial aviation solutions - designed, engineered, and delivered by a team of passionate innovators redefining what’s possible in flight. From advanced avionics and flight data intelligence to world-class simulation and pilot training, we support aircraft operators and OEMs with the technology and expertise to fly safer, smarter, and more efficiently. Now, with a bold new identity, we’re building on a legacy of aviation excellence - unleashing fresh energy, modern thinking, and a customer-first mindset to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving aerospace industry. Welcome to Acron Aviation - where the future takes flight!

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer and DO-254 Complex Electronic Hardware expert to join our surveillance hardware product development team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, verifying, and maintaining safety-critical firmware for avionics and embedded systems for TCAS and transponder applications in compliance with DO-254 standards. You will work closely with hardware engineers, system architects, and certification authorities to ensure robust design assurance processes are followed throughout the product lifecycle. Ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of FPGA/ASIC development, VHDL/Verilog, and requirements-based verification, with a proven design history in developing firmware for FAA/EASA-certified aerospace systems.

You will be involved with multidisciplinary project teams involving mechanical, electrical, digital/analog, RF, firmware, and software engineering in planning, designing, prototyping, and testing of avionics systems. You will additionally be responsible for mentorship of junior engineers, as well as ensuring the Surveillance product line follows industry best practices for product development. The design focus will include surveillance avionics for Air Transport, as well as General Aviation and emerging platforms, such as Urban Air Mobility (UAM) eVTOL aircraft.

Essential Functions:

• Experience with Xilinx and Microchip FPGAs along with associated tools (ISE, Vivado, Libero)
• Experience with simulation tools (Active HDL/QuestaSim)
• Must be knowledgeable in VHDL and/or Verilog RTL coding
• Knowledge of DO-254 Airborne Electronic Hardware development lifecycle
• Experience with requirements-based verification
• Generate design documents including HRDs, HDDs, and HCIAs. Generate certification documents such as PHACs.
• Participate in the proposal process for programs with EE requirements by estimating tasks, identifying risks, and planning development.
• Effectively communicate across multiple technical teams.
• Communicate directly with customers, in person or virtually, to understand their problems and formulate actionable solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Travel up to 10%.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
• Minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience in an engineering discipline with systems engineering principles, including requirements definition, requirements verification, design reviews and documentation, integration, test, and demonstration.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience with FPGA and firmware design.
• Hands-on experience designing and developing avionics products, RF, or sensor systems.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with and an understanding of aerospace systems, especially in the development of integrated hardware/software products
• Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Awareness of electrical development requirements as they impact firmware and FPGA design
• Experience with RTOS integration and understanding of its implications on hardware design
• Practical understanding of the complexities of RF design, especially in the L-band frequency range, and application of RF FPGA principles
• Excellent people skills, with experience leading and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, & presentation)
• Knowledge of DO-160 and DO-178
• Experience with Design to Cost and Design for Manufacturability
• Experience effectively supporting the production and testing of products in a different geographic location
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple programs and responsibilities simultaneously
• Ability to operate and identify an appropriate path forward with minimal oversight
• Pilot License or Part 107 certificate