Electrical Engineering Director

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 155,370 - 289,320; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in Poway, California, seeks an Electrical Engineering Director responsible for leading the Electrical Engineering Design organization. This role involves managing engineering teams in the design, development, integration, and certification of unmanned aircraft systems.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in electrical system design, project management, and leadership with extensive experience in the aerospace sector. A competitive salary range of $155,370 - $289,320 is offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of design/electrical engineering experience with management responsibilities.
• Proven track record managing complex aerospace or defense programs.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct all phases of design engineering programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Establish engineering design strategies.
• Ensure leadership and engineering excellence.

Skills

Electrical system design

Project management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelors, Masters or 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. We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Engineering Director! The Electrical Engineering Director is responsible for the leadership, planning, management, and technical performance of the Electrical Engineering Design organization. Reporting to senior technical leadership, this position oversees multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for the design, development, integration, testing, and certification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role directs all phases of assigned engineering programs from inception through completion and is accountable for technical execution, schedule performance, quality, staffing, financial objectives, and customer satisfaction.

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

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct all phases of design engineering programs including planning, technical execution, integration, testing and production to ensure quality, schedule, business, and financial objectives are attained.
• Collaborate closely with software engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, human resources, program management, and executive leadership teams.
• Develop and implement current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business and financial objectives for the EE design engineering unit(s) and may also participate in the development of Group/Company objectives.
• Establish engineering design concepts, architecture, criteria, and development strategies for research, product development, testing, integration and certification activities.
• Lead engineering progress reviews focused on cost, schedule, technical performance, program risks and resource allocation.
• Identify technical and organizational challenges and implement corrective actions including resource realignment, schedule recovery planning, and scope adjustments when required.
• Ensure technical leadership and engineering excellence through recruiting, mentoring, developing and retaining high-performing engineering talent.
• Interact with senior management concerning matters of significance to the company. Act as primary contact for engineering activities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Job Qualifications

Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex design / electrical engineering experience with at least nine of those years having management responsibilities. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education. Proven track record delivering complex aerospace or defense programs on time and within budget. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and engineering teams simultaneously. Extensive technical expertise in electrical and avionics system design and integration.

Strong project management, organizational planning, scheduling and coordination skills. Ability to resolve highly complex technical and organizational challenges. Exceptional communication, leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively interface with executive leadership, customers, government representatives, suppliers, and multidisciplinary technical teams. Professional Engineering (PE) License and published technical works are considered desirable qualifications.

Technical Expertise

• Aircraft avionics design for unmanned aircraft systems
• Power conversion and power system architecture
• Vehicle management system (VMS) design
• Servo driver design
• Flight computer design
• Solid-state switching systems
• Analog signal acquisition and filtering
• Design for EMI/EMC compliance
• Aerospace electrical system integration
• Environmental qualification and airworthiness certification

Required Standards Knowledge

• MIL-STD-704
• MIL-STD-810
• MIL-STD-461
• MIL-STD-464
• DO-254
• MIL-HDBK-516

Leadership Characteristics

• Strong technical judgment and practical engineering decision‑making
• Ability to apply urgency and resources appropriately when programs fall behind schedule
• Respect for and collaboration with subject matter experts
• Sound decision‑making regarding trade‑offs between cost, schedule, risk and technical perfection
• Strategic thinking combined with hands‑on execution capability
• Calm, effective leadership in fast‑paced and high‑pressure environments
• Commitment to technical excellence, accountability and continuous improvement

Job Type

Full‑Time Salary. Salary range: 155,370 - 289,320.