Director of Engineering

Universal Avionics•Tucson, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Universal Avionics is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead AI, Software, Systems Engineering, and Image Processing teams. This role involves shaping the technology for the next generation of aviation, focusing on mission-critical environments. The Director will lead multidisciplinary teams, influence future product direction, and translate emerging ideas in AI, software, computer vision, and systems engineering into reliable aviation technologies. The position requires technical judgment to guide engineers in making strong architecture and design decisions, as well as building the organization by developing technical leaders, strengthening engineering practices, and fostering innovation and disciplined execution.

Requirements

Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations and developing strong technical leaders.
Relevant experience with aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, or airborne product development.
Practical technical depth across areas such as AI/ML, software engineering, systems engineering, computer vision, or image processing.
The ability to guide system architecture, integration strategy, and complex technical decision-making.
Experience building teams, developing talent, establishing accountability, and evolving organizational capabilities.
Strong understanding of how hardware, software, sensors, interfaces, and aircraft-level systems come together.
Ability to balance emerging technology and innovation with technical rigor, reliability, customer needs, and execution.
Executive-level communication skills with the ability to influence both highly technical teams and senior business stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Nice To Haves

An advanced technical degree is preferred.
Experience with commercial or military aviation products is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of FAA requirements and aviation development/certification frameworks such as DO-178C, DO-254, and ARP4754A is a strong advantage, but not required.

Responsibilities

Set and communicate technical direction across AI/ML, software, systems engineering, computer vision, and image processing.
Guide architecture and complex engineering decisions while balancing innovation with aircraft constraints, reliability, safety, and business priorities.
Lead the integration of software, hardware, sensors, interfaces, and aircraft-level systems into cohesive, reliable solutions.
Identify technical risks early and help teams make thoughtful, evidence-based tradeoffs.
Build, develop, and retain a high-performing multidisciplinary engineering organization.
Coach engineering managers, technical leaders, engineers, and emerging talent while creating clear expectations and accountability.
Strengthen engineering practices that improve technical quality, predictability, collaboration, and execution.
Partner across Product, Program Management, Certification, Operations, and customer-facing teams to move technologies from advanced concepts toward aircraft-ready solutions.
Represent Engineering with senior leadership and translate complex technical topics into clear business, program, and customer implications.
Align engineering talent, capacity, and investment with future product strategy and customer commitments.