Aircraft Defensive Systems Design Engineer & Equipment Manager

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

The Boeing KC-46 Tanker Mission Systems Avionics (MSA) team is seeking an experienced and dedicated Aircraft Defensive Systems Design Engineer and Equipment Manager (Experienced or Lead) to join our KC-46 Mission Systems team in Everett, WA or Tukwila, WA based on selected employee preference and agreement with the manager.

The aircraft defensive systems comprise of the Infrared Countermeasures system and the Radio Frequency Self Defensive System (aka the Radar Warning Receiver system). This role will be responsible for the engineering design, integration, test, certification, and hardware/software management for assigned aircraft defensive hardware systems.

The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is the latest and most advanced USAF aerial refueling tanker aircraft designed to support multi-role missions including refueling, cargo/passenger transport, and medevac airlift. The KC-46 is a military commercial derivative aircraft based on the Boeing 767-2C aircraft and modified according to USAF specifications for the primary mission of aerial refueling US and Allied aircraft using either the Hose & Drogue systems or the Boom. The KC-46 is also equipped with a suite of self-defensive and tactical situational awareness systems that allows the aircraft to get closer to the fight when supporting combat missions.

This is an exciting time on the program as we begin to develop new system designs and capability upgrades for the current and future KC-46 aircraft. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead and/or support the engineering design, development, analysis, testing, and certification of the defensive hardware systems to ensure seamless integration with software and higher-level systems and platforms

• Develop, validate, and verify system level requirements

• Collaborate on the design, development, integration, testing, and operational capability of various programs

• Lead and/or assist in the development of test plans and procedures in support of certification activities

• Coordinate system-level integration for defensive systems hardware and software

• Oversee the definition and execution of critical tests of various types to validate the performance of designs against system requirements

• Provide leadership and/or in the technical management of relevant aspects of critical suppliers and Boeing software team members to ensure compliance with design requirements. Support for products will encompass the entire lifecycle, including proposal, development, production, in-service support, as well as flight and laboratory testing.

• Gather information to support proposal development and conduct trade studies for future upgrades and new business opportunities

• Coordinate and ensure FAA, military certification, and Boeing airworthiness activities for the defensive hardware systems and its components

• Coordinate and consult with specialty engineering Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) such as safety, electromagnetic emissions, and cybersecurity

• Provide troubleshooting support for production labs and aircraft when technical issues occur

• Conduct technical issue investigations and Root Cause and Corrective Actions (RCCAs)

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work on-site at one of the listed location options.

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (including manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.

• 3+ years of experience working with FAA and/or Military type certification requirements

• Experience with Radio Frequency (RF) engineering principles

• Experience with Equipment Manager (EM) Responsibilities for Avionics Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)

• Experience in data analysis and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)

• Experience in Technical Subcontract Management working with suppliers

• Experience developing requirements and performing requirements decomposition

• Experience evaluating aircraft maintenance requirements, certifications or airworthiness directives

• Strong written and verbal communication

• Ability to collaborate and work in a team

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Have or have held an active U.S. Security Clearance in the past 24 months

• Experience leading teams and/or projects

• Experience with Software Development Processes

• Experience troubleshooting avionic equipment, general electronics, and/or aircraft systems

• Experience in hardware and software integration

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates.

Shift:

This is a 1st shift position.

Drug-Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  

Summary pay range:

Experienced (Level 3): $104,550 - $141,450

Lead (Level 4): $126,650 - $171,350

Applications for this position will be accepted until Jul. 21, 2025

Export Control Requirements: This is not an Export Control position.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Experience Level
Individual Contributor
Contingent Upon Program Award
No, this position is not contingent upon program award

Schedule
Full time

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.