Advanced Programs Electrical Project Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. seeks a Project Engineer focused on electronics and avionics for next‑generation UAS development.

You will drive power design, data links, onboard computing, and secure communications while collaborating with EE, software, and systems teams to meet program milestones. Applicants should have a solid electrical engineering foundation with experience in avionics integration, system architectures, and supplier management.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors, masters or PhD in engineering or related discipline with progressive experience.
• Working knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, power distribution, EMC/EMI, signal integrity, and analog/digital design.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate across engineering domains with excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Drive design, integration, and validation of electrical and avionics systems including power, datalinks, onboard computing, and networking.
• Translate aircraft requirements into detailed avionics specifications and verification strategies.
• Define system architectures and collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to meet program milestones while balancing performance, schedule, and cost.
• Lead technical execution with cross-functional teams including EE, software, controls, and systems; address thermal, EMI/EMC, and interface concerns.
• Serve as liaison between project execution and functional engineering; manage suppliers and partners as the primary avionics technical contact.
• Support customer reviews (SRR–PDR–CDR–TRR) and proposal activities for next-generation programs; ensure confidentiality and compliance.

Skills

Electrical engineering concepts

Power distribution

EMC/ EMI

Analog and digital design

Grounding and shielding

Redundancy and fault tolerance

Sensors and actuators interface

ARINC, Serial, CAN, TCP/IP

Onboard computing and networking

Leadership and collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We are seeking a Project Engineer with a focus on electronics and aircraft avionics development to support research and development for next‑generation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role involves bringing cutting edge solutions from concept to the skies, spanning power design, secure communications, cutting edge sensors and motion control.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager in the Advanced Programs Office, this role collaborates with Chief Engineers and Integrated Product Team (IPT) leaders to develop the next generation of Unmanned Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.

Major development areas include:

• Electrical architecture, such as Power generation, distribution, and energy storage systems
• Avionics systems design and integration, including navigation systems such as GPS/INS and alternatives
• Datalinks and secure communications, with familiarity with communications interface protocols (ARINC, Serial, CAN, TCP/IP, Digital and Analog I/O)
• Onboard computing, vehicle and mission management systems, networking
• Sensor integration (EO/IR, RF, mission payloads)

A strong foundation in electrical engineering principles is essential for this role, as is the ability to apply them to the design, integration, and troubleshooting of electrical and avionics systems.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Drive the design, integration, and validation of electrical and avionics systems, including electrical power, datalinks, onboard computing, and networking solutions.
• Analyze aircraft-level requirements and translate them into detailed specifications for avionics subsystems and components. Establish design standards, architectures, and verification strategies.
• Define system architectures and collaborate with internal teams, external vendors, and suppliers to ensure electronics and avionics solutions align with overall system objectives and program milestones. Balance performance, schedule, cost, manufacturability, and robustness.
• Lead the technical execution, working with functional engineering teams (EE, software, controls, systems) to define and execute designs, including guiding system‑level analysis needs, thermal constraints, EMI/EMC considerations, etc.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively, prioritizing efforts and pivoting as requirements evolve. Serve as the bridge between project execution and functional engineering teams.
• Manage suppliers and partners, serving as the primary technical contact for avionics aspects for component projects.
• Lead and support customer reviews including SRR–PDR–CDR–TRR, white papers, and supporting proposal efforts for next-generation program capture.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Work safely in accordance with established procedures and practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education
• Working level knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory critical to avionics, such as:
  • Signal integrity and conditioning
  • Power distribution and management
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference (EMI)
  • Analog and digital circuit design
  • Grounding and shielding
  • Redundancy and fault tolerance
  • Sensors and actuators interface
  • Familiar with electrical design standards
  • Proficiency in communications and networking protocols, including ARINC, Serial, CAN, TCP/IP, and both digital and analog I/O
  • Ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems
  • Able to work independently and in teams, manage complex tasks, and represent the organization in technical forums
  • Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive technical discussions, and coordinate across engineering domains
  • Excellent communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to work extended hours as required

Desired Skills

• A Professional Engineering License and original work published in professional engineering journals are desirable

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398