Avionics Software Design Manager (Safety & Mission-Critical Systems)

Avionics_Software_Design_Manager

Job Description –Avionics Software Design Manager (Safety & Mission-Critical Systems)

**Experience:** 15+ Years

**Location:** Bengaluru, India

**Department:** Embedded Product & Avionics Systems

**Employment Type:** Full-Time

Role Overview

The position demands a highly experienced professional in Safety-Critical and Mission-Critical Avionics Software Development, responsible for end-to-end design, development, integration, verification, and certification of embedded software running on real-time platforms. The candidate will lead multiple avionics software projects conforming to DO-178C, and MISRA C/C++ guidelines and will also drive embedded GUI applications and real-time system frameworks across airborne and ground-based avionics systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Software System Architecture & Design

- Define and own the software system architecture, including real-time control loops, communication stacks, and mission-critical logic.

- Lead model-based and structured design approaches compliant with DO-178C Level A/B/C.

- Prepare and maintain software requirements (SRS, SDD, ICD) aligned with system-level specifications and traceability.

- Architect and design Embedded GUI/HMI frameworks for airborne operator consoles and cockpit systems.

- Drive design optimization for performance, determinism, and fault tolerance under constrained embedded environments.

2. Software Development & Integration

- Lead the complete software lifecycle — requirements, design, coding, integration, testing, and verification.

- Ensure compliance with RTCA/DO-178C and DO-330 (Tool Qualification).

- Implement robust RTOS-based applications (VxWorks, Integrity, QNX, RTLinux, etc.).

- Develop device drivers, middleware, and data bus interfaces (MIL-STD-1553B, ARINC-429, CAN, RS-422, Ethernet).

- Integrate GUI frameworks (Qt, Embedded Wizard, LVGL) into mission systems with real-time responsiveness.

- Utilize code generation and model-based tools (MATLAB/Simulink, SCADE, or Enterprise Architect) where applicable.

3. Verification, Validation & Certification

- Lead unit, integration, and system-level testing as per DO-178C verification objectives.

- Oversee requirement-based testing, robustness testing, and code coverage analysis.

- Manage certification deliverables (PSAC, SDP, SVP, SQAP, SCI, SAS, etc.) and ensure alignment with CEMILAC/DGCA/FAA audit processes.

- Conduct reviews (SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure corrective action closure.

4. Program & Team Management

- Plan and monitor project schedules, resource allocation, and milestone tracking using MS Project / PLM tools.

- Lead and mentor software engineers, test engineers, and GUI developers, ensuring adherence to process compliance.

- Manage multiple concurrent avionics software projects ensuring on-time delivery and quality.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, FPGA, QA, and system engineering teams for integrated testing.

5. Customer & Vendor Management

- Interface with customers (HAL, ADA, DRDO, DGAQA) for technical reviews and software acceptance.

- Manage offshore/onsite vendor teams for software modules or test tool development.

- Ensure vendor deliverables meet contractual and certification requirements.

6. Technical Skills & Knowledge

7. Team Leadership & People Management

- Lead multi-site software teams of engineers, testers, and tool developers.
- Define KRAs, performance goals, and competency matrices for software staff.
- Conduct technical reviews, mentorship programs, and internal trainings on DO-178C processes.
- Drive a process-oriented, safety-first culture emphasizing documentation and configuration discipline.
- Lead recruitment and skill development plans aligned with upcoming avionics software projects.

8. Qualifications

- B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science, Electronics, Avionics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in Safety-Critical Avionics Software Development.
- Strong exposure to DO-178C Level A/B development and certification audits.
- Experience in Embedded GUI, real-time systems, and low-level driver programming.
- Knowledge of DAL Level A/B certification process and audit preparation is mandatory.

9. Behavioral Competencies

- Excellent leadership and mentoring capability.
- Strong analytical, design, and debugging skills in real-time embedded systems.
- Effective communication with cross-functional and customer teams.
- Structured and process-driven approach aligned to safety-critical compliance.
- Ability to thrive under high accountability and tight milestones.

10. Career Path

The role offers progression to Avionics Product Design Manager, leading next-generation flight-critical software products for rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms and integrated mission computers.