Sr. Firmware Project Engineer - DO-254 Lead
Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Location: Sparks
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Are you looking to use your engineering capabilities, project
management and collective skills in your next position? We could
use your expertise on our team! We are innovators on a mission to
unify, explore and inspire. As a Sr. Project Engineer, you'll
assist in developing and implementing integrated plans for product
development including coordinating activities throughout the
product lifecycle from design concept phase to release. You will
monitor the product/program/project from initiation through
delivery, interfacing with external customers or field-based
employees on technical matters, as needed. You'll also review,
manage, proactively challenge, and control status of project
programs and budgets, manage schedules and prepare status reports,
and guide and lead teams in achieving the goals of the program
including issue identification, resolution and contingency
planning. We are seeking a highly skilled firmware engineering
leader with a strong background in developing avionics systems in
compliance with DO-254 standards. This is a unique opportunity to
not only contribute technically but also to play a pivotal role in
establishing and refining our tools, processes, and procedures to
meet FAA compliance requirements. In this role, you will
collaborate closely with systems and safety teams throughout the
development and certification process, ensuring our projects meet
the highest standards of quality and safety. The Mission Solutions
and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key
command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection
and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of
supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland
Security, commercial and international customers with years of
experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle
management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.
Responsibilities: Partner with technical Subject Matter Experts to
lead the design, development, and verification of firmware for
avionics systems, ensuring compliance with DO-254 and ARP-4754.
Develop and implement strategies for FAA compliance, including
establishing necessary tools, processes, and procedures.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including systems and
safety teams, to integrate firmware solutions into overall system
architecture and ensure compliance throughout the development and
certification process. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to
enhance our firmware development practices. Manage project
timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project
completion. Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and testing to
ensure high-quality deliverables. Author and review DO-254 life
cycle data, including the Plan for Hardware Aspects of
Certification, Design Standards, Requirements, and Accomplishment
Summary Qualifications You Must Have: Bachelor of Science degree in
a related field of study, and typically 12 years of progressive
technical experience Thorough knowledge of engineering principles
and practice Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and
development team Detailed understanding of requirements management,
system design, integration Expert knowledge of digital circuit
concepts and computer science fundamentals. Proficiency in firmware
development using VHDL and/or Verilog programming languages.
Experience with software/firmware development methodologies such as
Agile/Scrum, Waterfall, and Spiral. Experience authoring DO-254
firmware certification planning, design and verification documents
Demonstrated experience leading a team through a successful DO-254
and ARP-4754 commercial certification The ability to obtain &
maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Qualifications We Prefer: Experience with Xilinx/AMD FPGA
Development 4-6 years of leadership and/or project management
experience. Experience leading a multi-disciplinary team and
effectively communicating with program management and customers.
Experience preparing technical proposals, program schedules, and
cost estimates. Experience leading baseline definition and
maturation in complex development settings. Familiarity with tools
such as Vivado, Quartus, ModelSim/Questa, Aldec, and ActiveHDL.
Familiarity with Xilinx/AMD FPGA products and development tools.
Understanding of commercial avionics standards and regulatory
requirements (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, ARP-4754). Familiarity with
commercial avionics communication protocols (e.g., ARINC 818, ARINC
429, CAN, AFDX). Estimated Starting Salary: $172,510.67 -
$237,202.18 This posting will be open for application for a minimum
of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. SNC offers
annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate
with the level of the position. SNC offers a generous benefit
package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with
150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition
reimbursement, and more . IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires
the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security
Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position
needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S.
citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The
Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD
CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects
of the security clearance eligibility process for industry
applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the
eligibility determination include, but are not limited to,
allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference,
criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn
more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed
to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for
our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid
innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative
solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs.
If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments,
and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art
technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal
Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of
discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit
without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin,
disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics
protected by law.
Keywords: Sierra Nevada Corporation, Reno , Sr. Firmware Project Engineer - DO-254 Lead, Engineering , Sparks, Nevada
