Air Vehicle Systems

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 98,100 - 171,398; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is seeking project/system engineers to support next-generation Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle programs. The role involves coordinating with multiple teams, serving as a technical contact, and preparing documentation for internal reviews.

Ideal candidates will have a strong engineering background with significant experience in system integration and complex problem-solving capabilities. This full-time position is based in Poway, California.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years with a Master's, or 2+ years with a PhD.
• Ability to perform difficult and complex engineering work.
• Experience coordinating with multiple engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical contact for Air Vehicle scope on the UCAV program.
• Lead Air Vehicle integration coordination across teams.
• Prepare technical documentation for design and customer reviews.

Skills

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Technical documentation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or a related discipline

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.

About the Role

We are looking for project and/or system engineers to join the Advanced Programs Office supporting a next‑generation Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and associated prototype programs. This position reports to an Engineering Director in the Advanced Programs Office. As part of a matrix organization, this role will work closely with the Chief Engineer, Air Vehicle (AV) Integrated Product Team (IPT) leads, and subsystem teams (electrical, mission systems, avionics, EWIS, manufacturing) to drive integration and execution on a complex aircraft development program. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and reviewed at completion. Successful candidates will independently perform difficult/complex engineering work, coordinate across disciplines, and act as a technical point of contact for defined Air Vehicle scope.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as a prime technical contact for Air Vehicle scope on the UCAV program for defined work packages (e.g., AV integration support, configuration changes).
• Lead day‑to‑day Air Vehicle integration coordination, acting as a liaison between engineering, production, and integration to resolve issues on the production floor and maintain schedule.
• Maintain and drive closure of issue trackers and action lists, ensuring technical and process roadblocks are identified, assigned, and resolved.
• Analyze and interpret aircraft‑level requirements and flow them down to lower‑level specifications and work products for AV integration tasks.
• Own or support critical program artifacts such as engineering memos, redlines, and flight/airworthiness documentation, delivering with limited review.
• Prepare clear, concise technical documentation and presentations for internal design reviews and customer/program reviews.
• Coordinate with electrical, avionics, EWIS, and mission systems teams to ensure AV‑level integration is technically sound and consistent with system‑level requirements.
• Support manufacturing and integration by troubleshooting AV‑related issues on the production floor.
• Support Bid & Proposal activities by contributing to technical concepts, configuration trades, and integration plans.
• Provide direction for design/technical staff and lead small, cross‑functional work packages.
• Provide technical coordination of vendors/suppliers.
• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Independently perform difficult and complex engineering work with general guidance on expected results.
  • Initiate and plan engineering tasks/projects and devise new approaches to resolve unusual or complex problems.
  • Represent the organization as a prime technical contact on small contracts or single‑component projects, particularly in Air Vehicle or systems‑integration contexts.
  • Organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases and determine appropriate approaches at the task level.
• Strong skills in:
  • Cross‑disciplinary coordination (liaison between multiple teams, maintaining issues trackers, driving closure of roadblocks).
  • Technical documentation and redline management, including preparation of approval packages (AFA‑like documentation, memos).
  • Verbal and written communication suitable for internal and external technical presentations, with clear, concise, industry‑standard style.
  • Working both independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary, fast‑paced prototype environment.
• Experience with aircraft system integration, prototype or flight test programs (e.g., AV integration, mission systems, EPS/VMS, or similar) is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work extended hours as required and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398