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Spacecraft systems engineer vs avionics engineer

The differences between spacecraft systems engineers and avionics engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a spacecraft systems engineer and an avionics engineer. Additionally, a spacecraft systems engineer has an average salary of $96,404, which is higher than the $95,470 average annual salary of an avionics engineer.

The top three skills for a spacecraft systems engineer include systems engineering, MATLAB and spacecraft systems. The most important skills for an avionics engineer are FAA, avionics systems, and electrical systems.

Spacecraft systems engineer vs avionics engineer overview

Spacecraft Systems EngineerAvionics Engineer
Yearly salary$96,404$95,470
Hourly rate$46.35$45.90
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs78,00430,744
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a spacecraft systems engineer do?

A spacecraft system engineer develops simulations and performs analysis. They create design documents and work with teams to carry out projects. They must also maintain amicable relationships with customers.

What does an avionics engineer do?

Avionics Engineers are responsible for the design and development of avionics systems. They are involved in implementing economic and innovative techniques for avionic systems manufacturing, testing all parts and systems, rectifying faulty parts, and scheduling maintenance and inspection. They also prepare progress reports to update stakeholders involved, assist in proposals and bid preparation, and develop training programs for their junior engineering staff. Avionics Engineers must always comply with government regulations and industry best practices.

Spacecraft systems engineer vs avionics engineer salary

Spacecraft systems engineers and avionics engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Spacecraft Systems EngineerAvionics Engineer
Average salary$96,404$95,470
Salary rangeBetween $72,000 And $128,000Between $67,000 And $135,000
Highest paying City-Englewood, CO
Highest paying state-Colorado
Best paying company-Allegiant International
Best paying industry-Transportation

Differences between spacecraft systems engineer and avionics engineer education

There are a few differences between a spacecraft systems engineer and an avionics engineer in terms of educational background:

Spacecraft Systems EngineerAvionics Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorAerospace EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeStanford UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Spacecraft systems engineer vs avionics engineer demographics

Here are the differences between spacecraft systems engineers' and avionics engineers' demographics:

Spacecraft Systems EngineerAvionics Engineer
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 90.3% Female, 9.7%Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 10.9% White, 68.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between spacecraft systems engineer and avionics engineer duties and responsibilities

Spacecraft systems engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage security, which includes monitoring and controlling database access, assigning permissions to application owners.
  • Develop automated format report generation for controls analysis perform using ADSIM and MATLAB.
  • Monitor OS optimization; test, evaluate product processing and accuracy performance within environment before operational implementation are performed with SCCM.
  • Develop requirements and specifications for the provisioning commands that configure linear automatic protection switching in optical switches and cross-connects.

Avionics engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the fuel supply and aircraft electrical distribution system on board ship, including radar tank gauging and filtration systems.
  • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
  • Test and integrate DSP and RF ASIC and FPGA interface into designs.
  • Serve as consultant and technical expert on a multitude of RF and electrical systems.
  • Maintain communications systems, radar, autopilot, TCAS, weapon targeting, navigation and CVR.
  • Develop long term MATLAB programs that are able to model flight data of current and future programs for analysis and decision-making.
  • Show more

Spacecraft systems engineer vs avionics engineer skills

Common spacecraft systems engineer skills
  • Systems Engineering, 21%
  • MATLAB, 18%
  • Spacecraft Systems, 11%
  • Trade Studies, 7%
  • RF, 6%
  • NASA, 6%
Common avionics engineer skills
  • FAA, 8%
  • Avionics Systems, 7%
  • Electrical Systems, 5%
  • DOD, 5%
  • System Integration, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%

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