Aircraft IPT Lead – Advanced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 158,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is seeking several Aircraft IPT Leads to guide system-level design and integration for a new unmanned aircraft variant, spanning aerostructures, propulsion, avionics, and more.

You will supervise engineers, plan schedules, and drive technical excellence while coordinating with internal teams and customers on design reviews and program milestones. This full-time role offers a path to technical leadership on high-visibility defense programs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering with progressive engineering experience (18+ years with a Bachelor's, 16+ with a Master's, or 13+ with a PhD)
• Detailed expertise in one or more aircraft subsystems such as aerostructures, mechanical actuation, landing gear, propulsion, fuel and oil systems, electrical power, avionics
• Proven ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate complex engineering workloads toward milestones
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for interfacing with various departments and customers

Responsibilities

• Serve as Aircraft IPT Lead coordinating system-level design and integration for a new unmanned aircraft variant
• Supervise engineers and designers, ensuring output consistency and alignment with program objectives
• Plan and schedule IPT work, monitor schedules and deliverables using standard tools
• Formulate long-term plans for solution development and deployment with compliance to standards
• Evaluate subsystem integration and ensure documentation, testing, maintenance, and updates
• Provide guidance to team members and define milestones to meet objectives
• Communicate performance expectations, resolve problems, and drive continuous improvement
• Represent the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and projects
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews with technical content
• Document findings and present results to engineering staff
• Maintain confidentiality and observe laws and obligations

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Strong communication

Project leadership

DoD security clearance

Willingness to travel

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.

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 have an exciting opportunity for several Aircraft Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads supporting one of our Advanced Aircraft Programs. In this high‑impact role, you will lead cross‑functional teams responsible for the system‑level design and integration of multiple aircraft subsystems on a new unmanned aircraft variant currently in development. Major areas of development span aerostructures, mechanical actuation, landing gear systems, propulsion, fuel and oil systems, electrical power, and avionics, and we are seeking subject‑matter experts who can drive technical excellence across these domains. Under general direction with limited review, you will apply innovative approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems, exercising considerable latitude in determining technical objectives and solutions.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on a high-visibility, next-generation combat aircraft program that is reshaping airpower.
• A dynamic, high-technology environment with direct access to subject-matter experts across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth and technical leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Aircraft IPT Lead for one or more major subsystems (e.g., aerostructures, propulsion, fuel and oil, landing gear, mechanical actuation, electrical power, avionics), coordinating system‑level design and integration activities for a new unmanned aircraft variant.
• Supervise and direct the work of engineers and designers; oversee their output for consistency, technical accuracy, and alignment with program objectives.
• Plan and schedule work assignments for the IPT; monitor project schedules, timelines, and deliverables using standard project management tools and engineering systems.
• Formulate plans—typically long term—for solution development, documentation, and deployment, ensuring compliance with applicable reporting, safety, and engineering standards.
• Evaluate integration of subsystem solutions within the overall aircraft engineering environment; ensure appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates are completed.
• Provide technical guidance to team members; review the accuracy and completeness of assignments and define individual accountability and milestones to meet project objectives.
• Communicate performance expectations, identify and resolve problems encountered by the team, and drive continuous improvement in technical and execution performance.
• Represent the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects; interact with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.
• Participate in or lead internal and customer design reviews, presenting technical content and recommendations on system and subsystem architectures for current and emerging programs.
• Document findings, communicate results to engineering staff, and make technical presentations as required.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information and observe all applicable laws, regulations, and company obligations.

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; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated detailed and extensive technical expertise in one or more aircraft subsystems such as:
  • Aerostructures
  • Mechanical actuation
  • Landing gear systems
  • Propulsion (e.g., turbine engines, propellers, propulsion control systems)
  • Fuel and oil systems
  • Electrical power
  • Avionics and vehicle management systems
• Proven ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate complex engineering workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones, with experience in project or technical leadership.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and professionals.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in an evolving environment; able to work on a self‑initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as an IPT Lead, Sub‑IPT Lead, or technical lead on complex aerospace or defense development programs.
• Experience coordinating system‑level design of mechanical and avionics systems for uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft.
• Background in advanced or conceptual aircraft programs, including integration of multiple subsystems into a cohesive aircraft solution.
• Experience participating in or leading design reviews with internal teams and external customers.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineering staff.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary Salary range: 158,000 - 276,500