AI is changing what’s possible in aviation. At Universal Avionics, we’re building for what comes next.
We’re looking for a Director of Engineering to lead the teams advancing our work across AI/ML, computer vision, image processing, advanced sensing, software, and complex integrated systems.
This is an opportunity to help shape how emerging technologies become real-world aviation capabilities and build the engineering organization capable of delivering them.
We want a leader who understands where modern AI is going, sees possibilities others may miss, challenges conventional thinking, and can turn ambitious ideas into technical direction.
What could AI make possible for the future of flight? Come help us answer that.
What You’ll Do- Set technical direction across AI/ML, computer vision, imaging, sensing, software, and systems engineering
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into future product capabilities
- Guide architecture, integration, and complex technical decisions
- Build, develop, and retain exceptional engineering teams and technical leaders
- Connect advanced technology investments to product and business strategy
- Partner across Engineering, Product, Programs, Certification, and senior leadership
- Strong technical depth in AI/ML and modern intelligent systems
- Experience with computer vision, neural networks, image processing, sensing, video analytics, object detection, tracking, or related technologies
- Strong software, systems, architecture, and integration thinking
- Experience turning emerging technologies into real products or capabilities
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and technical leaders
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technology into clear business and technical decisions
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
- Advanced technical degree preferred
- Aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, safety-critical product, or certification experience is a plus
How we build matters just as much as what we build.
✨We Grow Together
Invest in people. Share knowledge. Help each other grow.
✨Innovation
Stay curious. Challenge assumptions. Test, learn, and find better ways to solve problems.
✨Make It Happen
Take ownership. Move with urgency. Follow through.
✨Excellence
Hold a high standard for quality, accountability, and impact.
For more than 40 years, Universal Avionics has helped pilots see, navigate, communicate, and fly with confidence.
Today, we’re a company in motion. We’re evolving how we work, how we lead, and how we use technology to move faster, innovate more boldly, and build what aviation needs next.
Benefits & PerksUniversal Avionics offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees and their families, including:
Universal Avionics offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees and their families, including:
Benefits begin on your first day as a full-time employee.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with safe harbor match within 60 days
- 9/80 work schedule option
- Every other Friday off
- Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Wellness and employee assistance programs
- And more
Join Universal Avionics and help shape the technology behind the future of flight.
Universal Avionics’ products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Employment eligibility may depend on applicable export-control requirements.
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.
Skills Required
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations and developing technical leaders
- Relevant experience with aviation, avionics, aircraft systems, or airborne product development
- Practical technical depth in AI/ML, software engineering, systems engineering, computer vision, or image processing
- Ability to guide system architecture, integration strategy, and complex technical decision-making
- Experience building teams, establishing accountability, and evolving organizational capabilities
- Strong understanding of hardware, software, sensors, interfaces, and aircraft-level system integration
- Executive-level communication and stakeholder influence skills
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
- Advanced technical degree (MS/PhD)
- Experience with commercial or military aviation products
- Familiarity with FAA requirements and certification frameworks (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A)
- Onsite work in Tucson, AZ (ability to work on location)
What We Do
Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems Company, is a leading manufacturer of innovative avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the largest diversification of aircraft types in the industry. Markets served include Business, Helicopter, Special Missions, Government / Military, Airline (regional / commercial) and OEM. To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com/company/aboutus.
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