VP of Engineering

Duluth, GA (Onsite) | Aerospace & Avionics
National Search | Relocation Assistance Available
9/80 Schedule Available – Every Other Friday Off
Lead the Engineering Team Building the Future of Flight 

Every day, thousands of aircraft rely on technology developed by Universal Avionics to help pilots see more, know more, and fly more safely. 

We're looking for a visionary engineering leader who can unite exceptional people, accelerate innovation, and build the engineering organization that will define the next generation of avionics. 

This is more than a technical leadership role. It's an opportunity to shape strategy, develop future engineering leaders, and influence the direction of a global aerospace company. 

The Opportunity 

For more than 40 years, Universal Avionics has delivered advanced avionics, enhanced vision systems, and intelligent cockpit technologies trusted by commercial airlines, business aviation, cargo operators, and special mission aircraft around the world. As part of Elbit Systems, we combine the agility of an innovative engineering organization with the resources and global reach of an international aerospace leader. 

As Vice President of Engineering, you will lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization responsible for developing innovative, safety-critical technologies across software, hardware, systems, FPGA, mechanical engineering, optical design, and verification. 

Reporting directly to executive leadership, you'll help define our long-term technology strategy while building a culture where great engineers do the best work of their careers. 

What You'll Do 

• Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering organization.  

• Build an engaged culture focused on innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  

• Develop engineering leaders through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.  

• Shape organizational design to ensure the right people are in the right roles as the business grows.  

• Define and execute the company's engineering and technology strategy.  

• Provide technical leadership across software, hardware, systems, FPGA, mechanical, optical, and verification engineering.  

• Challenge technical decisions while empowering engineering teams to innovate.  

• Partner closely with Product Management, Program Management, Operations, Quality, Sales, and executive leadership.  

• Connect customer needs with long-term technology investments.  

• Ensure engineering organizations consistently deliver high-quality, reliable, certifiable aerospace products.  

• Champion engineering excellence while balancing innovation, execution, cost, quality, and schedule.  

• Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes, tools, and organizational capabilities.  

What We're Looking For:

Leadership & Organizational Development 

The strongest candidates are exceptional organizational builders first. 

You'll have a demonstrated ability to: 

• Build and lead high-performing engineering organizations.  

• Develop leaders through coaching and mentorship.  

• Foster accountability, collaboration, and innovation.  

• Align engineering teams around business priorities.  

• Make thoughtful organizational and talent decisions.  

• Identify and develop future leaders.  

Technical Leadership 

You don't need to be the deepest expert in every engineering discipline, but you must possess the breadth and engineering judgment to lead across diverse technical domains. 

Experience leading organizations across: 

• Software Engineering  

• Hardware Engineering  

• Systems Engineering  

• FPGA / Logic Design  

• Mechanical Engineering  

• Optical Engineering  

• Verification & Validation  

You'll establish high engineering standards while enabling technical teams to solve complex problems. 

Aviation Industry Expertise 

Successful candidates understand how aircraft systems are designed, integrated, certified, and operated. 

Experience with: 

• Avionics  

• Aircraft systems  

• System integration  

• Aerospace product development  

• Customer and operator requirements  

• Emerging aviation technologies  

Certification & Regulatory Leadership 

Experience leading engineering organizations operating within regulated aerospace environments, including familiarity with: 

• FAA certification processes  

• TSO  

• STC  

• DO-178  

• DO-254  

• ARP4754  

• ARP4761  

You'll ensure engineering processes support successful certification while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required.  

• Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.  

• 10+ years of aerospace or related engineering experience.  

• Significant executive or senior engineering leadership experience.  

• Proven success leading large multidisciplinary engineering organizations.  

• Strong strategic thinking and executive communication skills.  

• Experience aligning engineering investments with long-term business objectives.  

Why Employees Love Working Here 

• Lead technology that improves aviation safety around the world.  

• Shape the future direction of a global engineering organization.  

• Build and develop exceptional engineering talent.  

• Partner directly with executive leadership on company strategy.  

• Solve technically complex, meaningful problems.  

• Influence products that fly on aircraft worldwide.  

• Join an established aerospace company committed to innovation and engineering excellence.  

What Success Looks Like 

• Engineering teams are highly engaged, collaborative, and continuously developing.  

• Future engineering leaders are identified and successfully grown from within.  

• Technical decisions consistently balance innovation, quality, risk, and execution.  

• Engineering organizations deliver products on schedule without compromising safety or reliability.  

• Strong partnerships exist across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Product organizations.  

• Customers view Universal Avionics as a trusted technology leader.  

• Engineering strategy supports the company's long-term business objectives.  

Our Mindset & Core Values 

Innovation 

We challenge assumptions, embrace new technologies, and continuously push what's possible in aerospace. 

Excellence 

We hold ourselves to the highest standards because precision, quality, and execution matter when the technology we build supports flight. 

Resilience 

We adapt, solve complex challenges, and deliver dependable technology in demanding environments. 

"Yes, I Can" Ownership 

We take initiative, empower our teams, and own outcomes from concept through delivery. 

Benefits & Perks 

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 14 paid holidays  

• Tuition reimbursement  

• Wellness and Employee Assistance Program  

• And more  

Relocation assistance is available. 

Work Environment 

This executive leadership role is based onsite in Duluth, Georgia, where close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and executive leadership is essential to delivering world-class aerospace technology. 

Ready to Join Us? 

If you're passionate about building exceptional engineering organizations, advancing aerospace innovation, and developing technology that makes aviation safer, we'd love to hear from you. 

Learn more: UniversalAvionics.com 

Universal 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.