Advanced Lead Test Systems Design Engineer - Avionics

Job Description Summary

The Advanced 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.

Job Description

Essential 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.

Required Qualifications :

• BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.

• Minimum 8 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.

Desired Characteristics :

• 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.

Eligibility Requirements:

• GE Aerospace will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.

The base pay range for this position is $112,000.00 - $149,000.00. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 03/31/26.

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.

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

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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)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer . Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes