Manager, Avionics Electrical Engineering

The Manager of Avionics Electrical Engineering at Vast is responsible for leading a diverse engineering team to design, develop, and deploy advanced avionics systems geared for space operations. This includes developing technical specifications, ensuring project milestones are met, and fostering a culture of safety and excellence. The role also involves significant collaboration with internal stakeholders to convert project requirements into actionable designs.

To qualify for the Manager, Avionics Electrical Engineering role at Vast, candidates need a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field, along with at least 5 years of experience in electrical circuit design and analysis. Additionally, 2 years in a leadership role is required, along with familiarity with avionics test equipment and PCB design processes. Experience with circuit simulation tools is also beneficial.

At Vast, the work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, reflecting the dynamic nature of the aerospace industry. As a Manager in Avionics Electrical Engineering, you will work in an atmosphere that encourages innovation and accountability, allowing you to make impactful decisions while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams dedicated to advancing space exploration.

Preferred candidates for the Manager, Avionics Electrical Engineering role at Vast will have a solid track record in deploying avionics products with successful space flight history. Familiarity with spacecraft systems and experience in manned space flight operations is a plus, as well as strong problem-solving skills capable of integrating multiple engineering disciplines while addressing safety and performance.

The salary range for the Manager, Avionics Electrical Engineering position at Vast is between $150,000 and $170,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Beyond base salary, employees receive comprehensive benefits, including 100% health coverage, flexible paid time off, company equity, and unique perks like free meals and personalized mental health support, all designed to support a thriving team.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you designed electrical circuits. Discuss the tools you used, the challenges faced, and how you ensured reliability and performance in your designs. Your goal should be to showcase your technical skills and how you have applied them in practical scenarios.

Discuss strategies such as empowering team members, establishing clear communication channels, and fostering a culture of accountability. Provide examples of how you've implemented these strategies in the past to drive successful projects, emphasizing team collaboration and individual ownership of tasks.

Explain your approach to gathering requirements from stakeholders and your methods for translating technical needs into understandable designs. Discuss how you prioritize requirements, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure the final designs meet project goals.

In your answer, be specific about your experience with PCB design, mentioning any specific software like Altium that you are proficient in. Discuss your design process, challenges encountered, and how you overcome them while adhering to industry standards.

Select a relevant project that showcases your problem-solving abilities in a technical context. Describe the issue, your thought process in tackling the problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the end results. This will illustrate not only your technical skills but also your approach to challenging situations.

Safety and reliability are crucial in avionics. Discuss your methodologies, such as quality assurance protocols and risk assessment practices. Provide examples of how you've effectively managed these aspects in previous projects, ensuring compliance with space industry standards.

Mention various methods you use to stay informed, such as attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant journals, and participating in professional organizations. This demonstrates your proactive approach to continuous learning and adaptation.

Discuss your project management experience, focusing on how you plan, delegate, and monitor project progress. Talk about tools you use for project tracking and how you adjust timelines based on project developments while keeping stakeholders informed.

Explain your communication strategies, emphasizing clarity and adaptability. Providing examples where you successfully conveyed complex technical information to non-technical audiences will demonstrate your ability to bridge understanding between disciplines, an essential skill for the Manager, Avionics Electrical Engineering role.

Share your passion for avionics and space exploration. Discuss the excitement of pushing boundaries in technology and innovation, and how contributing to projects that impact humanity’s future in space inspires you. This gives interviewers insight into your enthusiasm and dedication to the field.