Founding Avionics Engineer

Founding Avionics Integration EngineerSan Francisco Bay Area · Full-time · On-siteApera is supporting an early-stage aerospace startup developing next-generation electric aircraft. We are seeking a founding avionics engineer to lead integration from prototype through first full-scale vehicle.The RoleOwn avionics systems end-to-end, including flight computers, sensors, communications, and system architecture. Work hands-on across design, testing, and flight validation to build safe, fault-tolerant systems.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine avionics architecture (computing, sensors, comms, redundancy)Lead integration, testing (SIL/HIL), and flight validationDevelop system-level firmware and diagnosticsDrive build vs buy decisions and hardware selectionDebug and iterate quickly on real-world flight systemsIdeal CandidateExperience integrating avionics or control systems on UAVs, aircraft, robotics, or similarStrong systems thinking across hardware and softwareHands-on with testing, wiring, and debugging in real environmentsFamiliar with embedded systems, sensors, and communication protocolsNice to HaveExperience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similarHIL/SIL testing, Python scriptingEMC, RF, or aviation standards knowledgeWhat’s OfferedFounding-level ownership and impactFast-paced, hands-on hardware environmentWhy Apply?Real ownership, not just a sliceZero-One building experienceCareer defining roleSmall team- big impact