Aircraft Communications Engineer

Position Summary

The Engineer, Aircraft Communications supports the operational reliability of aircraft communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems across assigned fleet types. Reporting to the Manager, Aircraft Communications & Surveillance, this role is responsible for monitoring system performance, analyzing operational data, troubleshooting issues, conducting technical investigations, and developing tools that support aircraft and ground communication systems. Areas of responsibility include ACARS, CPDLC, FANS, SATCOM, datalink services, avionics communication systems, and supporting ground systems. The Engineer ensures these systems remain reliable, compliant with regulatory requirements, and aligned with JetBlue's operational, safety, and business objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain and support aircraft operational messaging and datalink systems, including ACARS, CPDLC, FANS, SATCOM, ADS-B, and ADS-C.
• Develop, maintain, and validate aircraft operational databases, configuration data, and electronic operational content to support communications systems.
• Design, develop, and maintain internal applications, scripts, automated workflows, dashboards, and analytical tools that improve operational efficiency, system visibility, and data quality.
• Monitor communications system performance and investigate operational issues, message failures, system anomalies, pilot reports, and avionics-related discrepancies.
• Analyze operational and technical data to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and support root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Support regulatory compliance by performing audits, monitoring system performance, and maintaining required aircraft and ground system registrations and configurations.
• Coordinate with internal departments, regulatory authorities, manufacturers, service providers, and vendors to resolve operational issues and support communications system reliability.
• Support testing, implementation, and deployment of new communications technologies, avionics software, system enhancements, and operational capabilities.
• Provide technical expertise for fleet modifications, software updates, operational procedures, and communications system integrations.
• Provide application lifecycle support for operational tools and systems, including maintenance, troubleshooting, user support, defect resolution, and continuous improvement.   
• Leverage AI tools, automation, and emerging technologies to improve engineering workflows, accelerate analysis, enhance application development, and increase operational efficiency while ensuring appropriate validation of results.
• Other duties as assigned   

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field; OR demonstrated capability to perform job responsibilities with a High School Diploma/GED and at least four (4) years of previous relevant work experience
• Three (3) years experience in an aviation or technical role or related experience
• Available for occasional overnight travel (30%)
• Currently in possession of a valid passport or equivalent travel in and out of the United States
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
• Authorization to work in the US is required, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship 

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Experience supporting airline aircraft communications, datalink, or avionics systems.
• Experience with ACARS, CPDLC, FANS, SATCOM, or other CNS technologies.
• Experience configuring or maintaining aircraft operational databases, messaging, or electronic operational content.
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and visualization tools (e.g., Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI, Smartsheet, or similar platforms).
• Experience with application development, scripting, automation, databases, or systems integration.
• Experience using airline operational, maintenance, or communications platforms such as SITA AIRCOM, CAE OpsComm, TRAX, or equivalent systems.
• Knowledge of airline operations, aircraft systems, and regulatory requirements related to communications and surveillance.
• FAA Pilot Certificate, Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate, Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, or equivalent aviation experience.
• Experience developing technical task cards, engineering instructions, or aircraft maintenance documentation.
• Experience using AI to support software development, scripting, automation, data analysis, and technical documentation.

Crewmember Expectations

• Regular attendance and punctuality
• Potential need to work flexible hours and be available to respond on short-notice
• Able to maintain a professional appearance
• When working or traveling on JetBlue flights, and if time permits, all capable crewmembers are asked to assist with light cleaning of the aircraft
• Must be an appropriate organizational fit for the JetBlue culture, that is, exhibit the JetBlue values of Safety, Caring, Integrity, Passion and Fun
• Promote JetBlue's #1 value of safety as a Safety Ambassador, supporting JetBlue's Safety Management System (SMS) components, Safety Policy and behavioral standards
• Identify safety and/or security concerns, issues, incidents or hazards that should be reported and report them whenever possible and by any means necessary including JetBlue's confidential reporting systems (Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) or Safety Action Report (SAR))
• The use of ChatGPT or any other automated tool during the interview process will disqualify a candidate from being considered for the position.

Equipment

• Computer and other office equipment

Work Environment

• Traditional office environment
• Airports Environment
• Hangar

Physical Effort

• Generally not required, or up to 10 pounds occasionally, 0 pounds frequently. (Sedentary)

Compensation

• The base pay range for this position is between $77,000 and $133,000 per year. Base pay is one component of JetBlue's total compensation package, which may also include access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, crewmember stock purchase plan, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, free space available travel on JetBlue, and more.