Functional Avionics Architect

Join our In-Orbit Services (IOS) team, where innovation meets space exploration. We design and deliver advanced avionics for satellites and are seeking a skilled Functional Avionics Architect to define, ensure coherence of, and justify end-to-end functional architectures across the spacecraft platform. This role can be based in Toulouse or Massy and closely interfaces with Systems, Software, AOCS, DHS, IVV and AIT teams.

More than a technical expert, we’re looking for someone who understands the missionpurpose behind the architecture: how to allocate functions, manage interfaces and timing, ensure testability and traceability — and make it all meaningful for engineers, operators, and customers.

🚀 What you’ll do

Define the Avionics Functional Architecture – Decompose system and mission
requirements into avionics functions allocated to equipment (OBC, PDU, GNSS, AOCS
sensors, TM/TC, etc.). Establish and maintain the architecture repository (diagrams,
allocations, use scenarios) and animate cross-discipline workshops.

Ensure Technical Coherence & Functional Interfaces – Drive consistency across
avionics subsystems; define and maintain internal functional ICDs (data flows,
synchronization, timing, command logic). Lead trade-offs with stakeholders on cost,
maturity, performance, and system constraints.

Support Development, Integration & Verification – Contribute to IVV campaigns (HIL
tests, functional simulations, integration benches). Shape the functional-level FDIR strategy and track requirement coverage and compliance with ECSS standards throughout testing.

Own the Avionics Functional Architecture Work Package (WPL) – Plan and steer
scope, schedule, workload, deliveries, and milestones. Coordinate contributors, ensure
quality and traceability of deliverables, represent the perimeter to the Project Manager and other WPLs, and present at internal and customer reviews (PDR/CDR).

What we’re looking for: 

- 5–10+ years in avionics/satellite systems engineering with functional architecture responsibilities.

- Strong knowledge of embedded interfaces (SpaceWire, CAN, RS422), TM/TC protocols,
synchronization and timing.

- Proficiency with requirements & modeling tools (e.g., Polarion, Capella/SysML) and end-to-end traceability.

- Solid knowledge of ECSS standards (e.g., E-ST-10/40/60), IVV practices and functional
FDIR logic.

- Ability to structure complex architectures, arbitrate design choices, and communicate
clearly.

- Comfortable collaborating across multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams, including AIT and operations.

- Proven project management skills as Work Package Lead (WPL): scope and schedule
planning, resource and budget tracking, risk and change control, milestone and deliverable management, supplier coordination, and clear reporting to the Project Manager/steering bodies (incl. PDR/CDR).

💡 Bonus skills

- Exposure to supplier technical coordination and industrial partners.
- Familiarity with RAMS/Quality practices and external customers (CNES, ESA, export).
- Systems mindset across mechanical, thermal, software and mission impacts.

What we value

- Purpose-driven architecture: you ask “what’s the goal?” before proposing solutions.
- Clarity, coherence and traceability over complexity.
- The ability to turn multi-discipline constraints into balanced, testable designs.
- Team spirit, ownership, and a drive to continuously improve processes and outcomes

If you want to shape the future of space avionics and be part of an innovative team, we’d love to meet you!