Autonomy Systems Engineer for Next-Gen Combat Aircraft

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-visibility program

Access to subject-matter experts

Competitive compensation & benefits

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in autonomous air systems. We seek a Capability Development Engineer to define and deliver next-generation capabilities for the FQ-42A CCA program, integrating autonomy, sensors, and weapons in a networked environment.

You will help shape warfighter effectiveness in a fast-paced, mission-focused setting. Join GA-ASI to work with experts across engineering disciplines, contribute to design reviews, and drive products from

Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master/PhD in engineering with progressive experience; DoD-ready.
• Aerospace/defense product development experience.
• Experience driving product development through lifecycle phases.
• Ability to coordinate across departments and align teams.
• Strong organization and time-management; meet deadlines.
• Solid systems engineering principles knowledge (requirements, interfaces, risk).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present to mixed audiences; DoD clearance ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development tasks for new FQ-42A capabilities from concept through integration, test and fielding.
• Coordinate technical work across systems, software, avionics, payloads, flight test, manufacturing, and logistics.
• Translate customer and mission needs into clear, testable system requirements.
• Develop and maintain schedules, risks, and technical plans to meet milestones.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with technical rigor and traceability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve interface issues and manage configuration changes.
• Participate in integration and test activities, including lab testing, HIL, and flight test support.
• Prepare technical documentation and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes and tools.

Skills

Systems engineering

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Requirement management

Technical documentation

Project scheduling

DoD clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelors degree in engineering

Masters degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in autonomous air systems. We seek a Capability Development Engineer to define and deliver next-generation capabilities for the FQ-42A CCA program, integrating autonomy, sensors, and weapons in a networked environment.

You will help shape warfighter effectiveness in a fast-paced, mission-focused setting. Join GA-ASI to work with experts across engineering disciplines, contribute to design reviews, and drive products from