Certified Avionics Engineer (CAE)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

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EXAM OVERVIEW

The TSS certification exam evaluates the core competencies required to operate and maintain tactical SATCOM systems. It includes eleven modules with a total of 175 questions. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 43 incorrect answers to pass the exam.

• Format: Online, proctored exam

• Duration: 1.5 hours

• Passing Score: 75% (132/175 correct answers)

The exam assesses candidates on three dimensions of knowledge:

• Factual (What): Understanding key concepts and definitions.

• Conceptual (Why): Recognizing the importance and reasoning behind practices.

• Procedural (How): Applying methods to real-world scenarios.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Fundamentals of Avionics Systems Engineering

1.1. Define avionics system architecture and key subsystems.
1.2. Explain avionics communication protocols, including ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and AFDX.
1.3. Identify regulatory requirements for avionics certification (DO-178C, DO-254, and FAR Part 25).

2. Flight Control Software & Embedded Avionics Systems

2.1. Explain fly-by-wire (FBW) and flight control system architectures.
2.2. Describe real-time operating systems (RTOS) for avionics applications.
2.3. Identify software verification and validation methods for avionics firmware.

3. Aircraft Radar & Sensor Fusion

3.1. Define airborne radar types, including pulse-Doppler, AESA, and SAR.
3.2. Explain sensor fusion techniques for integrating radar, GPS, and inertial navigation systems.
3.3. Identify electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and radar jamming mitigation strategies.

4. Navigation & Guidance Systems

4.1. Explain inertial navigation system (INS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) integration.
4.2. Describe terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radar in military aircraft.
4.3. Identify performance parameters for precision landing and automatic flight control.

5. Communication & Data Link Integration

5.1. Describe VHF/UHF radio communication, SATCOM, and tactical data link (TDL) systems.
5.2. Explain the role of data links such as Link 16, MADL, and CDL in military avionics.
5.3. Identify cybersecurity threats and encryption methods for avionics communication.

6. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) & Cockpit Displays

6.1. Define primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) design considerations.
6.2. Explain helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) and heads-up display (HUD) technology.
6.3. Identify ergonomic and cognitive load factors in avionics user interface design.

7. Avionics System Testing & Certification Standards

7.1. Describe environmental testing for avionics (DO-160G, MIL-STD-810).
7.2. Explain software safety certification requirements (DO-178C, DO-254).
7.3. Identify reliability and redundancy requirements for avionics systems.

8. Advanced Avionics for Next-Generation Aircraft

8.1. Explain artificial intelligence (AI) applications in avionics automation.
8.2. Describe avionics systems for urban air mobility (UAM) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
8.3. Identify trends in software-defined avionics and digital twin technology.

Eligibility:

The Tactical SATCOM Specialist (TSS) certification is designed for professionals working in tactical and secure satellite communications environments. Ideal candidates include:

• Verify you fit one of the “who is this for” persons.

• Verify you meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Ability to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Ability to operate a computer; email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

About:

WHY EARN THE TSS CERTIFICATION?

The TSS certification sets you apart as a professional equipped to excel in tactical SATCOM roles while leveraging military experience and/or knolwledge. It demonstrates your commitment to ethical hiring practices, strengthens your career prospects, and helps bridge the gap between military and civilian hiring environments.

TSS Certification

The Tactical SATCOM Specialist (TSS) certification validates the knowledge and expertise operating secure tactical SATCOM systems such as WGS, AEHF, and MUOS. This certification assesses your knowledge in military-grade encryption, anti-jamming techniques, and mobile SATCOM deployment in austere environments and ability to support mission-critical communications and resilient network operations in tactical and defense settings.

Professionals who earn the TSS certification demonstrate a high standard of proficiency and are equipped to operate and maintain secure tactical military and secure civilian SATCOM systems.

Certified individuals may use the TSS designation after their name to reflect their achievement.

AUTHORIZED TRAINING AND STUDY GUIDELINES

While not required, candidates are encouraged to take exam preparation courses offered by third-party training providers that align with Aerospace Technical TSS certification standards. These courses cover the topics included in the exam and help candidates prepare for certification.

Aerospace Technical Recommended Reading & Study Materials:

• "Satellite Communications Systems: Systems, Techniques and Technology" – Gérard Maral, Michel Bousquet, Zhili Sun, 6th Edition, John Wiley, 2019​.

• "Satellite Communications" – Timothy Pratt, Charles W. Bostian, Jeremy E. Allnutt, 2nd Edition, Wiley, 2003​.

• "Handbook of Satellite Applications, Volume 2" – Joseph N. Pelton, Scott Madry, Sergio Camacho-Lara, Springer Reference, 2nd Edition, 2017​.

MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION

The TSS certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, individuals must:

• Pass a reduced-fee renewal exam, or

• Provide proof of meaningful work demonstrating ongoing application of certification standards.

Details and reminders are automatically sent to credential holders for their convenience.

Relevent JobsL

The Certified Avionics Systems Engineer (CASE) certification is designed for professionals involved in avionics, radar systems, flight control software, and embedded avionics development. This certification validates expertise in avionics architecture, sensor fusion, navigation, communications, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, making it highly relevant for aerospace and defense professionals.

• Avionics Engineers – Specialists in the design, testing, and integration of aircraft electronic systems.

• Embedded Systems Engineers – Firmware developers and real-time operating system (RTOS) specialists for avionics applications.

• Systems Engineers (Aerospace & Defense) – Professionals working on avionics integration, certification, and compliance with DO-178C and DO-254.

• Flight Control Engineers – Experts in fly-by-wire (FBW) and automatic flight control systems.

• Radar and Sensor Engineers – Professionals working on airborne radar, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare.

• Navigation & Guidance Engineers – Those developing GNSS, INS, terrain-following radar, and precision landing systems.

• Cybersecurity & Communications Engineers – Specialists securing avionics communications, SATCOM, and tactical data links (Link-16, MADL, CDL).

• Human Factors Engineers – Those optimizing cockpit displays, pilot interfaces, and human-machine interaction.

• Regulatory & Compliance Professionals – Experts ensuring compliance with FAA, EASA, and MIL-STD avionics certification standards.

This certification is valuable for avionics engineers, flight control software specialists, and defense contractors working on aircraft radar, sensor fusion, avionics integration, and avionics cybersecurity for commercial and military applications.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Certified Avionics Engineer (CAE) aligns with military roles specializing in avionics engineering, radar systems, and sensor fusion. Relevant military job codes include:

• U.S. Air Force (USAF)

  • 2A3X3 – Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (Avionics)

  • 2A5X3 – Integrated Avionics Systems (Heavy Aircraft)

  • 2A8X1 – Mobility Air Forces Integrated Instrument & Flight Control Systems

  • 2A8X2 – Mobility Air Forces Integrated Communication, Navigation, and Mission Systems

  • 1A3X1 – Airborne Mission Systems Specialist

  • 1B4X1 – Cyber Warfare Operations

  • 19BX – Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO)

  • 62EXA – Aerospace Engineer (Flight Test & Avionics)

• U.S. Army

  • 15N – Avionics Mechanic

  • 15E – Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Repairer

  • 17A, 29A, 29E – Cyber & Electronic Warfare Officers

  • 51A, 15A – Aerospace & Avionics Engineers

• U.S. Navy (USN) & Marine Corps (USMC)

  • AT – Avionics Technician (USN/USMC)

  • AE – Aviation Electronics Technician (USN/USMC)

  • 1320, 7588 – Naval Flight Officer (NFO)

  • 1810 – Cryptologic Warfare Officer (Electronic Warfare & Cybersecurity)

  • 6332 – Fixed-Wing Aircraft Avionics Technician (USMC)

  • 6333 – Rotary-Wing Aircraft Avionics Technician (USMC)

• U.S. Space Force (USSF)

  • 13S – Space Operations Officer (SATCOM & Avionics Integration)

  • 17S, 1B4X1 – Electronic Warfare & Cyber Officers

• Special Operations & Intelligence Community (SOCOM, NSA, DIA, CIA)

  • 1N4X1, 35N, 35P, 2621 – ISR Sensor Operator / SIGINT Specialist

  • SOF-TAC CMR – Special Operations Tactical Communicator