Lead Test Systems Design Engineer - Avionics

GE Aerospace • Grand Rapids, MI

20h • $95,000 - $127,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Test Systems Design Engineer – Avionics will own the design and delivery of automated production test systems for complex electronic aerospace products. This role combines technical leadership, hands-on development, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure safe, high-quality, and cost-effective test solutions that support manufacturing and new product introduction. This includes developing test software for full automation, managing requirements, and integrating hardware and software into complete systems. Location: Grand Rapids, MI This position, which offers a blend of onsite and hybrid work arrangements, is based in Grand Rapids and necessitates a presence in the office for 2-3 days each week. An extensive corporate relocation package is also available for eligible candidates.

Requirements

• BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing automated test systems for complex electronic products or electrical systems in a production or high-reliability environment.
• Knowledge and experience in software development using C, C++, C#.
• Circuit design capability for test equipment, including signal conditioning, signal conversion, stimulus generation, filtering, and cable/harness design.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex technical problems, including hardware, software, and system-level issues.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to document, plan, and execute projects or work packages to meet scope, schedule, and quality objective
• GE Aerospace will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
• This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading other engineers or technical workstreams within a project team (technical lead, work package owner, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with National Instruments tools, including TestStand and LabWindows/CVI, for automated test development.
• Familiarity with common aerospace and industrial interfaces, including analog and discrete I/O, RS-232/422/485, ARINC 429/664/825, Ethernet, CAN, and similar.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and achieve milestones and deliverables.
• Systems engineering mindset, including requirements flowdown, interface definition, traceability, and verification planning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and resources to meet task schedule, cost, and quality objectives with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis and corrective action (e.g., 5-Why, fishbone, 8D, or similar methods).
• Experience using Git-based tools (e.g., GitHub) for source control, code review, issue tracking, and collaboration.
• Formal training or certification in project management (e.g., PMP coursework, Agile/Scrum, or equivalent) is a plus.
• Experience in aerospace or other highly regulated industries and familiarity with relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of production test equipment for complex electronic aerospace products, from concept through deployment.
• Architect and implement system-level automated test solutions, including hardware, software, and data flows, to achieve high test coverage and throughput.
• Own the full test system lifecycle: planning, requirements, architecture, hardware/software design, integration, verification, release, and sustainment.
• Influence overall test strategy and coverage, including test data analytics, design-for-test (DFT) input, and board-level test strategies in manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain test software using National Instruments TestStand, C/C++/C# in Microsoft Visual Studio, and C in LabWindows/CVI (or equivalent tools).
• Provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing, including debug of test systems, test failures, and equipment issues.
• Create and maintain test design documentation, including requirements, test specifications, schematics/drawings, procedures, test software documentation, verification procedures, and reports.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Engineering to align test solutions with product requirements, safety, and quality standards.
• Contribute to and lead elements of new product introduction (NPI), process improvement, and lean/continuous improvement initiatives within test engineering and manufacturing.
• Mentor and coach other test engineers in tools, architecture, design practices, and development processes; provide technical direction within project teams.
• Communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans clearly and proactively to project and functional leadership.
• Prepare and deliver technical material for customer and internal design/test reviews and presentations.
• Plan and manage own work and assigned resources to meet schedule, cost, quality, and compliance objectives.
• Participate in and sometimes lead cross-functional teams to address organizational initiatives and drive improvements in test capability, productivity, and quality.

Benefits

• GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.
• Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level