Principal Electrical Engineer
About The Position
Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design and development of aerospace-grade in-seat power supplies and USB outlet units for commercial aircraft. The role leads electrical design from concept through certification, translating functional and system-level requirements into robust architectures and detailed designs. The engineer will guide the electrical team through product certification, conduct research and development to advance power-conversion capabilities, evaluate emerging technologies, and resolve complex development hardware issues. The position requires expertise in power conversion technologies, especially resonant converter topologies and digitally controlled power supplies, as well as strong leadership, mentoring, and presentation skills. The role independently applies creative ability, engineering skill, and judgment to solve complex problems and move programs to successful completion. This is an on-site position in Kirkland, Washington, with flexibility to work from home two to three days per week depending on project needs. The role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws and other applicable government or contractual requirements. An offer is contingent on passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test, including cannabis screening.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE required).
- Typically 12 or more years of relevant electrical design experience, including direct experience developing power supply and/or power conversion products.
- Demonstrated expertise with resonant power converter topologies and digital control of power supplies.
- Broad experience with advanced electrical engineering simulation tools such as OrCAD, SPICE, or SABER, and with conducting trade studies.
- Experience designing to DO-160 and other applicable aerospace requirements, including Airbus and Boeing specifications.
- Ability to produce high-quality technical documentation, including design descriptions, requirements, test procedures, test reports, and presentations.
- Experience leading electrical engineering teams or providing technical leadership on complex product development or research programs.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and presentation skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead electrical design of aerospace-grade in-seat power supplies and USB outlet units for commercial aircraft from concept through certification.
- Translate functional and system-level requirements into robust electrical architectures and detailed designs.
- Propose, plan, and execute R&D activities that advance power supply and power conversion capabilities, including evaluating new technologies and topologies.
- Apply knowledge of power conversion technologies, particularly resonant converters and digital control techniques.
- Perform electrical simulations and trade studies using tools such as OrCAD, SPICE, and SABER to determine optimal design approaches.
- Monitor industry trends in power electronics and incorporate relevant advancements into product development.
- Ensure designs meet applicable aerospace standards and requirements, including DO-160, Airbus, and Boeing requirements.
- Develop and maintain electrical design documentation, including schematics, design descriptions, analyses, and compliance evidence.
- Create test procedures, test reports, and requirements documents, and present as a subject-matter expert at internal and external design reviews.
- Prepare and present technical analyses, design justifications, and trade study results to internal stakeholders and customers.
- Lead and mentor the electrical engineering team, providing technical direction and oversight to meet performance, schedule, and certification objectives.
- Support certification activities in coordination with systems, compliance, and test teams to demonstrate requirements verification and validation.
- Troubleshoot development hardware, conduct root-cause analysis, and implement corrective design changes.
- Support bid and proposal efforts and assist with new business and follow-on opportunities as a technical leader.
Benefits
- Quarterly profit-sharing bonus eligibility.
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Optional critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity coverage.
- 401(k) plan.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Supportive culture encouraging work-life balance.
- Starting at 120 hours of PTO annually.
- 12 paid holidays per year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
