Aerospace Flight Software Engineer

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

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software for high‑reliability systems. The role involves independent decision making across the software lifecycle in collaboration with domain experts and management.

The candidate will contribute to end-to-end development, documentation, testing, and deployment of embedded software, while maintaining compliance with software standards and safeguarding sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in computer science or related field with 4+ years experience for bachelor, 2+ years for master's degree.
• Degree in computer engineering, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of software development concepts and programming/analysis.
• Experience with C and Python; C/C++ in embedded systems and GNC is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Determine user requirements and plan software development within the broader organizational scope.
• Formulate detailed implementation plans including language, platform, and resource needs.
• Code, test, and document software solutions; ensure cross-platform compliance.

Skills

C

Python

C/C++

GNC

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related

Advanced degree preferred (MS/PhD)

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

SCADE

VectorCAST

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software. As part of GA-ASI, you’ll work on groundbreaking projects that directly support our mission to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions to our customers. This position independently determines approaches/solutions for the design, development and/or modifications of embedded software. This position collaborates with domain experts, users, and management throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

Summary

Under general supervision with limited review, this position independently determines approaches/solutions for the design, development and/or modification of specific programs or projects for enterprise-wide end-user, system level, and data management software applications. Involved in planning of application development and deployment as well as responsible for meeting software compliance standards on specific programs or projects. Evaluates integration of software applications with the overall computing environment; responsible for documentation, testing, maintenance, and software updates. Communicates with domain experts, outside customers, users, and management throughout the software development lifecycle.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Determine user requirements and specifications and plan for software development within the broader organizational scope. Software development includes end-user, system level, and data management applications.
• Formulate detailed plans for the implementation of software solutions on specific programs or projects. In addition to program design this includes determining language, platform, and resource requirements.
• Implementation of design including coding, testing, and documentation.
• Deployment of applications across the enterprise including cross-platform compliance and ensuring availability of necessary resources.
• Code maintenance including debugging and updating to keep pace with the evolving environment.
• Assist in planning for future applications based on new developments in computer technology.
• Communicate with the software developer group, with users, and with management as well as with the wider community through the publishing and presentation of technical papers.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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 computer science, information systems or a related discipline and progressive software development experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Degree in computer engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering is highly preferred.
• Must have a complete understanding of software development concepts, principles, and theory and demonstrate complete understanding and application of programming and analysis concepts.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Must have some experience with C and Python programming languages.
• Experience with closed-loop control systems, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), and implementation in the C/C++ language.
• Experience with Model-Based Design tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or SCADE is highly desired.
• Experience with DO-178 processes and high-level rigor development.
• Familiarity with aviation systems and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Familiarity with VectorCAST
• Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level and to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is required.
• Current active DoD security clearance is highly desired.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398