Technical Manager – AI, Software & Systems Engineering

Technical Manager – Ai, Software & Systems EngineeringTucson, AZ (Onsite) | Aerospace & Avionics 9/80 Schedule Available – Every Other Friday OffLead the Technology from Concept to AircraftSome 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.The OpportunityAt 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.What You'll DoOwn the end-to-end technical direction and integration of a complex airborne productConnect requirements, architecture, development, verification, and system integration into a cohesive technical approachLead multidisciplinary teams across systems engineering, software, AI, image processing, and verificationGuide architecture decisions and technical trade-offs while maintaining consistency across the productNavigate complex cross-disciplinary issues and drive teams toward clear, practical technical decisionsIdentify technical risks, dependencies, and integration challenges early and drive them toward resolutionLead technical and design reviews that ensure teams remain aligned on architecture, interfaces, and product objectivesBalance technical priorities with program milestones, cost, schedule, reliability, and aircraft-level constraintsServe as the primary technical focal point for Program Management, senior engineering leadership, peer technical leaders, and other stakeholdersCommunicate technical status, decisions, risks, and dependencies clearly while keeping teams focused on shared outcomesWhat We're Looking ForWe're looking for a technically credible leader who can create alignment and accountability without relying on direct reporting authority.You'll bring:Experience leading complex technical programs or multidisciplinary product-development activitiesRelevant experience with aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, or airborne product developmentStrong systems thinking and an understanding of aircraft-level integration, interfaces, operational constraints, and reliabilityPractical technical knowledge across AI/ML, software, systems engineering, computer vision, or image processingFamiliarity with technologies such as neural networks, object and motion detection, video analytics, classification, and trackingAbility to evaluate technical approaches, guide architecture decisions, and effectively lead specialists across multiple engineering disciplinesStrong ability to influence, facilitate decisions, and create accountability within a matrix organizationAbility to connect technical execution with program priorities, cost, and schedule commitmentsClear communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical topics for engineering, program, and leadership stakeholdersBachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical fieldAn advanced degree is preferred. Knowledge of FAA certification processes or standards such as DO-178, DO-254, and ARP4754 is beneficial but not required.Why Employees Love Working HereTake technical ownership of an advanced airborne product from architecture through deliveryWork at the intersection of AI, computer vision, software, systems engineering, and aviationLead highly capable technical experts while staying close to the engineeringSolve complex integration challenges where decisions have real product impactInfluence architecture and technical direction without moving away from hands-on technical leadershipCollaborate across Engineering, Program Management, and senior technical leadershipHelp transform emerging technologies into reliable solutions designed for demanding aircraft environmentsWhat Success Looks LikeA clear and cohesive technical direction is maintained across the full product lifecycleSystems, software, AI, image processing, and verification teams stay aligned around shared technical objectivesArchitecture and interface decisions remain consistent as the product evolvesTechnical risks and dependencies are identified early and addressed before they become program roadblocksComplex cross-functional issues move toward decisions and resolution rather than remaining between organizational boundariesTechnical execution remains aligned with program milestones, cost, schedule, and delivery commitmentsStakeholders have clear visibility into technical status, risks, decisions, and dependenciesYou become the trusted technical focal point connecting the product, engineering teams, and broader programOur Mindset & Core ValuesInnovation We advance avionics technology through creative engineering and continuous improvement.Excellence We hold ourselves to high standards in quality, reliability, and execution.Resilience We solve complex technical challenges in demanding aerospace environments."Yes, I Can" Ownership We value technical leaders who are proactive, collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented—and who create alignment and accountability across the teams they lead.Benefits & PerksBenefits begin on your first day as a full-time employee.Medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with safe harbor match within 60 days9/80 work schedule optionEvery other Friday offVacation, sick time, and paid holidaysTuition reimbursementWellness and employee assistance programsAnd moreWork EnvironmentThis role is based onsite in Tucson, Arizona due to the highly collaborative nature of multidisciplinary product development, technical integration, design reviews, and close coordination across engineering and program teams.Ready to Lead What's Next?If you're energized by complex technical challenges, enjoy bringing multiple engineering disciplines together, and want to take end-to-end technical ownership of advanced airborne technology, we want to hear from you.Join Universal Avionics and help turn advanced ideas into integrated, reliable technologies built for the future of flight.Learn more: Universal AvionicsUniversal Avionics' products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Employment eligibility may depend on work authorization and citizenship status in accordance with these regulations.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.