Flight Test Engineer / Systems Test Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Poway, CA, seeks an experienced Flight Test Engineer / Systems Test Engineer to join the SD&T team. The role covers system-level T&E of hardware and software, SIL, and flight tests, with duties ranging from planning to execution on unmanned platforms.

The ideal candidate will have DoD testing experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to coordinate complex test events across labs, flight ops, and ranges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related field with progressive engineering experience.
• Experience in Test & Integration for manned/unmanned aircraft is highly desired.
• Familiarity with DoD Developmental/Operational Test processes and safety reviews.

Responsibilities

• Perform test and evaluation activities under supervision in evolving environments.
• Lead test planning, reviews, safety reviews, and communicate findings with customers.
• Act as primary test engineer during test operations for hardware/software system tests.
• Plan and coordinate test configurations, instrumentation, assets and ranges.
• Develop schedules and coordinate work phases with engineering teams.

Skills

Test & Evaluation

System Integration

Test Planning

DoD testing

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Flight Test Engineer / Systems Test Engineer as a System Development & Test (SD&T) Engineer in our Agile Mission Systems SD&T team. This position is located at our Poway, CA location supporting aircraft test and evaluation engineering activities on novel and innovative General Atomics systems.

This SD&T engineer will be an integral part of the mission systems development team and will share responsibility for overseeing testing of new payloads and capabilities.

The candidate will also be expected to contribute to Weapon System, Vehicle and Payload Autonomy and Flight Sciences test events.

This position is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment with hands‑on access to our industry‑leading Unmanned platforms.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities under minimal supervision and apply new concepts in an evolving environment to determine/develop various approaches to achieve T&E goals and help guide the completion of test activities.
• Support test plan working groups, technical reviews, and safety reviews acting as a primary contact with internal and external customers while representing the organization with external customers.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally during all phases of flight test programs to include test planning, ground and flight test procedures/cards, test observations and issues, and test reports.
• Act as primary test engineer during test operations. Test duties include system level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on resource allocation, conducting and directing System Integration Lab (SIL), ground and flight test, providing ground and flight crew direction/leadership during tests events, and participating in technical test reviews.
• Initiate the planning of engineering projects and coordinate test events with engineering labs and flight ops facilities. Responsibilities include determining test configurations, test instrumentation, test assets, and coordination with test ranges.
• Develop and maintain engineering schedules for programs tasks or subtasks and coordinate program work phases.
• Participate with the engineering and program development team to develop and mature requirements and specifications, and participate in design reviews to ensure the design meets all requirements.
• Identify programmatic issues and provide leadership in developing solutions. Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels concerning resolution of technical and scheduling issues. Act as prime contact for technical and program issues.
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and develop solutions to complex test and integration issues discovered during all test phases utilizing engineering and scientific principles.
• 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 engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering 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 engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Prior experience in a Test & Integration role for manned and/or unmanned aircraft platforms is highly desired. Especially experience with Department of Defense (DoD) Developmental Test (DT) or Operational Test (OT).
• Familiarity with Test Planning processes including support of Test Plan Working Groups, Test Readiness Reviews, Safety Review Boards etc. is highly desired
• Familiarity with network systems is desired.
• Experience as a test conductor, test director, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined Test Force (CTF) or Integrated Test Team (ITT) is desired.
• Must have a general understanding of engineering concepts, principles and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of engineering concepts; and an expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Must be able to perform complex tasks in multiple engineering areas.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain United States Department of Defense (US DoD) clearance is required.
• 25% travel is required.

RECENT FLIGHT TEST DEMONSTRATION EVENTS

• GA-ASI Flies Government Reference Autonomy Stack at Orange Flag 25-1
• GA-ASI and US Navy Fly MQ-20 Avenger Using MD-5 GCS To Perform Commanded Autonomy Maneuvers
• GA-ASI and BAE Systems Collaborate on Autonomous Electronic Warfare Link 16 Capabilities on MQ-20 Avenger
• GA-ASI Demonstrates Release of Advanced Air-Launched Effects from MQ-20 Avenger UAS
• GA-ASI Uses Autonomy to Close Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, and Assess Engagement Chain

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650