Avionics & Flight Control System Integration Engineer

This is where hardware and software become a flying machine. We are looking for a hands-on integration engineer who lives at the intersection of avionics, flight controls, and real-world testing. You will be the one connecting the "brain" (our Flight Control Computer - FCC) to the "nervous system" (the avionics suite), the "senses" (Air Data, AHRS), and the "muscles" (the actuators). Your mission is to own the integration process, from managing interface documents to running tests on the Iron Bird, and ultimately supporting the aircraft as it takes flight.

The ePlane Company is at the forefront of India's urban air mobility revolution. Incubated at IIT Madras, we are a deep-tech startup dedicated to designing and building the world's most compact electric flying taxi. Our mission is to make door-to-door flying a reality, drastically reducing commute times and decongesting our cities for a cleaner, greener future. We're a passionate team of engineers, designers, and visionaries working on cutting-edge technology, and we're looking for brilliant minds to help us take flight.

As the Avionics & FCC System Integration Engineer, you will be the primary owner of bringing these critical systems together. You will:

• →Own the Interface: Develop, manage, and rigorously validate the Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for all avionics and flight control systems, including the FCC, inceptors, cockpit panels, Air Data & AHRS units, CNS equipment, and the electrical power distribution system.
• →Plan the Integration: Author and maintain the master System Integration Plan, defining the step-by-step process to build, test, and validate the complete system.
• →Lead Hands-on Integration: Take the lead in the physical and logical integration of all components on our System Integration Labs (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) benches, and the full-scale Iron Bird.
• →Troubleshoot & Solve: Be the first line of defense in diagnosing complex integration issues. You will be hands-on with data bus analyzers, oscilloscopes, and software tools to debug issues related to avionics wiring, signal integrity, network protocols, and power-on sequences.
• →Execute Ground Testing: Develop and execute comprehensive ground test plans for the integrated systems on the aircraft, including power system checks and EMI/EMC pre-qualification testing.
• →Perform System Calibration: Lead and document the calibration of critical sensors, actuators, and control systems to ensure flight readiness.
• →Support Flight Test: Work directly with the flight test team to prepare the aircraft, manage system configurations, monitor telemetry, and analyze post-flight data.

• Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in the integration and testing of avionics and flight control systems for aerospace vehicles.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Electronics, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on Systems Expertise: Proven, practical experience assembling, integrating, and troubleshooting complex systems, including Flight Control Computers (FCCs), inceptors, Air Data Systems, AHRS, cockpit displays, and CNS equipment.
• ICD Management: Demonstrable experience authoring and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Lab Experience: Extensive experience setting up and operating SIL, HIL, and/or Iron Bird test environments.
• Avionics Protocols: In-depth knowledge of standard avionics data buses and protocols, such as CAN, ARINC 429, and AFDX/Ethernet.
• Electrical & Wiring Knowledge: Solid understanding of aerospace wiring practices, power distribution systems (AC/DC), and signal integrity principles.
• Test Plan Development: Experience writing and executing formal ground test and flight test procedures, with some exposure to EMI/EMC test principles.
• Calibration Experience: Must have experience performing system calibrations (e.g., sensor bias removal, actuator rigging).

• A Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Direct experience with fly-by-wire (FBW) systems.
• Experience in the eVTOL/UAM or experimental aircraft industry.
• Proficiency with test automation scripting (e.g., Python).
• Familiarity with certification standards like ARP4754A, DO-178C, DO-254, and environmental qualification standards (DO-160).
• Hands-on experience with specific bus analysis tools (e.g., Vector CANalyzer, PEAK-System) and lab equipment.