Principal Systems Engineer - Project Design Authority
Principal Systems Engineer - Project Design Authority
We are currently looking for a Principal Systems Engineer - Project Design Authority to join Thales in Melbourne, FL.
The PDA is directly Responsible and in charge for all end to end technical activities leading to the development of solution for entertainment, connectivity and ground systems. This includes participation to Innovation workshops, project sizing (SOW, WBS/OBS…), technical interfaces with the OEM (Airbus, Boeing…), or Connectivity providers, technical coordination of all engineering disciplines, Compliance to Customer/Product requirements, definition of high level requirements and capabilities including performance aspects and high level design and flow down of all sub-systems (CIS and Connectivity competency centers) leading up to the successful solution delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Participate to all Customer technology workshops in order to refine, tailor and formalize innovation requests, understand and capture customer needs and requirements (formal and informal) and serve as the main technical interface between the Customer, Sales, PLM and Engineering within the Competency Centers.
Define the solution level architecture clearly highlighting the new developments (scope, key technical aspects, development challenges with quantified risks) from the existing components of the Thales IFE sub-systems (including minor adaptations)
The PDA may be assigned during bid phase and would then work as the Engineering focal to define the overall compliance, defining and grooming the solution level technical Work Packages and associated WBS/OBS (not only for the discovery phase but also in preparation of the development phase)
Technical Project management activities include support to scheduling, budget reviews and forecasting, diagrams and any presentations covering technical aspects, risk assessments, mitigation plans, and overall pre-development / Proof of Concepts status reporting. The PDA is also responsible to approve all Engineering reviews as per the DDQS Engineering lifecycle. Once the start of development nears, the PDA will work with a SEM focal to aid in these activities for WPM.
For all complex (STD and/or ADJ1, or others as assigned) bids, identify Solution specifics on Customer Bids, ensure the Solution satisfies Customer Needs, prepare the Design Validation form (DVa), identify Deviations from Product Policy, draft any change requests SoW and clarify any assumptions or reuse / innovation strategy to facilitate the accuracy of quotation process working with all disciplines (PLM, bids, all Engineering groups…). Get approval from the DA for final DVa approval.
Drive proper requirements traceability between the Customer compliance matrix, Internal Requirements repository, specific development plans and System Segment Specifications at the subsystem level.
Work with the OEMs when applicable (Airbus, Boeing…) on the definition and compliance of the Customer-specific entertainment system with the aircraft platform requirements and highlight associated impacts to the AVANT Product Line and Thales sub-systems.
Be the focal for all OEM compliance reviews, traceability and integration / verification strategies
Drive Product Development when launched as a Project – Technical focal for assigned product development during the Project Phase.
As the role is also customer facing (internal & external), the PDA must be able to keep communication lines open and, without direct authority (matrix environment), be able to keep project team members responsible for their work packages (transversal position). The Customer PDA must also be able to work very effectively with the Customer but also with :
The generic Product Design Authorities (in charge of the generic products) in order to ensure clarity of Customer-specific adaptations and requirements and proper incorporation into the generic products (HW, SW…)
The DA, to get approval for solutions as defined in the DVa.
The SEM (in charge of leading the customer project) as well as the Customer Program Manager, the UX Manager, Product Line Management, Customer Services and Support…
The IVVQ Manager to define the proper integration, Verification Strategy – identifying dependencies, risks, lab needs
3rd party vendors, especially connectivity solution partners, seat partners, etc
Approximately 20% Domestic and international travel may be required
Required Skills and Experience:
Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Engineering from four-year college or university;10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of switched Ethernet communications, serial buses (RS485, 232) and avionics buses (ARINC 429, Ethernet, ARINC 628)
Knowledge of Satcom Connectivity systems and Antenna installation on Commercial A/C
Good knowledge in Internet Technology (TCP/IP, HTML, browsers, servers, MPEG1/2/4, MP3,DASH/HLS)
Good knowledge with LINUX and/or Android operating systems and common SW Architecture models
Knowledge in requirement management tools (DOORS, Jama, Polarion) and systems engineering processes applied in an Agile environment
In-Depth understanding of Thales Avant IFE, Connectivity and Ground Systems
In-depth understanding and experience in System Engineering processes and methods.
Technical knowledge and experience in large scale systems integration and sub-contracting (HW, SW)
Experience with Software architecture, development and integration requirements.
Technical understanding of software architecture and design required for directing generic development efforts.
Knowledge of avionics requirements and FAA/EASA processes with a focus on In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and Customers.
Preferred qualifications:
Any license, certificate, or registration in IP Network and Architecture.
Any license, certificate, or registration in IP Network Security
Any license, certificate, or registration in Systems engineering Domain with specialty in Satellite connectivity and Ground networks
Familiarity with Regulatory compliance is a plus
Knowledge about DAL-D requirements and associated FAA/EASA certification activities is a plus
(The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and indeed additional responsibilities may be assigned, as required by management.)
Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.
Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.
Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.