Senior Systems Engineer – Avionics

About Sarla Aviation:

Sarla Aviation is an Indian aerospace company developing Shunya, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for urban and regional air mobility. As an early-stage program, we operate at the intersection of startup agility and aerospace rigor, where core engineering decisions are still being shaped. This creates a unique environment where even early-career contributors can make meaningful, program-level impact.

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly capable Senior Systems Engineer – Avionics to serve as the technical authority for the avionics domain. This role is responsible for defining and managing avionics system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and safety analysis across critical aircraft subsystems.

This position operates at the intersection of all major aircraft disciplines—including propulsion, structures, embedded software, and flight controls—making it one of the most cross-functional roles on the program.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and manage avionics system requirements, ensuring traceability from aircraft-level requirements to subsystem specifications.

Define and maintain avionics system architecture, including flight control computers, navigation, communications, power management, and sensor systems.

Own and control Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across avionics, propulsion, structures, flight mechanics, and software domains.

Define and oversee avionics data bus architectures (ARINC 429, CAN, AFDX, MIL-STD-1553), including communication timing, latency, and fault containment.

Lead safety analysis activities including FHA, PSSA, and SSA, and allocate Development Assurance Levels (DAL A–D) in compliance with ARP4761A and ARP4754B.

Coordinate with software and hardware teams to ensure alignment with DO-178C and DO-254 development and certification requirements.

Define sensor fusion architectures and performance requirements, including redundancy strategies and fault detection logic.

Develop and maintain Flight Control System interface requirements, including actuator command, monitoring, and envelope protection interfaces.

Plan and support DO-160G environmental qualification testing (EMI/EMC, vibration, temperature, lightning effects).

Act as the primary avionics interface with DGCA and certification authorities, supporting certification planning and compliance demonstrations.

Drive adoption of MBSE practices, maintaining SysML models as a single source of truth for avionics architecture.

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to systems engineering process maturity.

Typical Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, or a related field.

6+ years of experience in avionics or aerospace systems engineering, with responsibility for requirements, architecture, or safety.

Strong understanding and application of ARP4754B systems development processes.

Working knowledge of DO-178C and DO-254, including DAL allocation and lifecycle data expectations.

Experience with requirements and interface definition using tools such as DOORS, Polarion, or JAMA.

Hands-on experience with safety assessment processes (FHA, PSSA, SSA).

Familiarity with avionics communication protocols such as ARINC 429, CAN, MIL-STD-1553, or AFDX.

Experience with MBSE / SysML modeling tools (Cameo, Rhapsody, Enterprise Architect).

Strong leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

Understanding of sensor fusion algorithms and navigation system design.

Exposure to flight control system design principles, including control laws and envelope protection.

Familiarity with DO-160G environmental qualification testing.

Experience with configuration management tools (Teamcenter, Windchill) and formal change control processes.

Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) workflows and maintaining system models as a single source of truth.

Ability to perform system-level trade studies and requirement validation using analytical or simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python).

Why Join Us?

Be a part of a world-class team in an environment where your work directly contributes to shaping the future of urban air mobility.

Thrive in our culture of diversity, inclusion, and innovation, where your unique perspectives and ideas are valued.

Enjoy a competitive compensation package, with opportunities for growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.

Sarla Aviation is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, championing equality and empowering every individual. We believe that our strength lies in our differences, not just our similarities. Therefore, we warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Join us at Sarla Aviation, where your unique background and perspective are not just welcomed—they are celebrated.