Systems Architect

AALTO’s Zephyr is a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) and is the only one of its kind to have demonstrated day/night longevity in the stratosphere. Providing a persistent and adaptable solution, unlike other unmanned aircraft. Its persistence enables a capability of flying continuously for months at a time, at around 70,000 feet, above weather and conventional air traffic.

The newly established entity shall become the leading Global HAPS Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) provider for the Mobile and Satellite Network Operator market – connecting the diverse needs of our customers – whether for rural, overlay capacity, disaster recovery or new services provision. In addition, it shall offer Platform as a Service (PaaS) to the Institutional and Military markets for Earth observation, tracking and communications requirements, as well as operating a global fleet of carbon neutral HAPS platforms – powered by sunlight.

Job Purpose

As a Systems Architect, you will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and operations of the Zephyr system. Leveraging your extensive experience and expertise in avionics, air operations, and ground systems, you will lead and contribute to complex engineering projects, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and aviation standards. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation, meeting project objectives, and adhering to safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Design and develop system architectures for HAPS, with specific responsibility for avionics and ground systems, including communication systems and SATCOM integration, EWIS, ADSB, etc
• Project Management: Manage system integration projects from initiation to completion, overseeing budget, timeline, and resource allocation to deliver successful outcomes.
• Leadership: This position may require mentoring and inspiring a diverse team of engineers, fostering collaboration, creativity and professional growth.
• Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE): Independently verify the compliance of design solutions with applicable aviation regulations. Act as a CVE in front of the NAA.
• Modelling: Utilize advanced modelling techniques, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), to simulate and analyse system performance.
• System Design Review: Conduct design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Requirements Management: Elicit, analyse, trace, prioritize, verify, validate, baseline, and maintain requirements. Incorporate automation and ensure the flow down of automation into requirements.
• Testing and Validation: Develop and manage extensive testing protocols to validate the integrated systems’ performance, including system-level testing and mission simulation.
• Flight Procedures Liaison: Collaborate with flight operations teams to develop and refine flight procedures, ensuring they align with system capabilities and safety standards.
• Research and Development: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in systems engineering and HAPS/UAV.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical and operational risks associated with system development and operations.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of design specifications, testing results, and project progress. Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Supplier Interaction: Act as the primary technical point of contact for suppliers. Manage technical aspects of contracts and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Overseas Travel: Travel overseas is required as part of this job.
  
  

Experience And Qualifications

• HAPS Systems: Extensive experience in the design, integration, and testing of avionics systems and ground systems.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with systems engineering tools (DOORS, JAMA…), and modelling and simulation tools such as Simulink.
• Communication: Excellent communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with the certification process and the ability to act as a liaison with regulatory authorities.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Aviation Standards: Knowledge of relevant industry standards and best practices in systems engineering.
• MBSE Experience: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience is preferred.
  
  

At AALTO, we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.