Technical Manager – AI, Software & Systems Engineering

Universal Avionics•Tucson, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead the Technology from Concept to Aircraft. Some technical leadership roles focus on one discipline. This one connects them all. At Universal Avionics, we’re looking for a Technical Manager who can bring together systems engineering, software, AI, computer vision, and image processing to deliver an integrated airborne product. You’ll be the technical focal point connecting specialized engineering teams, helping them navigate complex decisions, resolve cross-disciplinary challenges, and turn advanced technology into a reliable solution ready for the realities of flight. At Universal Avionics, we develop advanced avionics, enhanced vision systems, and intelligent cockpit technologies designed to improve aviation safety and situational awareness. As a Technical Manager – AI, Software & Systems Engineering, you’ll take end-to-end technical ownership of an airborne product- from requirements and architecture through development, verification, integration, and delivery. This role sits at the intersection of technology and execution. You’ll work through a multidisciplinary matrix organization, bringing together experts across systems, software, AI, image processing, and verification while maintaining alignment with Program Management and senior technical leadership. You don’t need to be the deepest specialist in every technology. You do need the technical judgment to understand the system as a whole, evaluate approaches, challenge assumptions, make informed trade-offs, and create alignment among highly capable domain experts.

Requirements

Experience leading complex technical programs or multidisciplinary product-development activities
Relevant experience with aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, or airborne product development
Strong systems thinking and an understanding of aircraft-level integration, interfaces, operational constraints, and reliability
Practical technical knowledge across AI/ML, software, systems engineering, computer vision, or image processing
Familiarity with technologies such as neural networks, object and motion detection, video analytics, classification, and tracking
Ability to evaluate technical approaches, guide architecture decisions, and effectively lead specialists across multiple engineering disciplines
Strong ability to influence, facilitate decisions, and create accountability within a matrix organization
Ability to connect technical execution with program priorities, cost, and schedule commitments
Clear communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical topics for engineering, program, and leadership stakeholders
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree is preferred.
Knowledge of FAA certification processes or standards such as DO-178, DO-254, and ARP4754 is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end technical direction and integration of a complex airborne product
Connect requirements, architecture, development, verification, and system integration into a cohesive technical approach
Lead multidisciplinary teams across systems engineering, software, AI, image processing, and verification
Guide architecture decisions and technical trade-offs while maintaining consistency across the product
Navigate complex cross-disciplinary issues and drive teams toward clear, practical technical decisions
Identify technical risks, dependencies, and integration challenges early and drive them toward resolution
Lead technical and design reviews that ensure teams remain aligned on architecture, interfaces, and product objectives
Balance technical priorities with program milestones, cost, schedule, reliability, and aircraft-level constraints
Serve as the primary technical focal point for Program Management, senior engineering leadership, peer technical leaders, and other stakeholders
Communicate technical status, decisions, risks, and dependencies clearly while keeping teams focused on shared outcomes