MQ-1C Project Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 81,080 - 141,650; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) is a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and surveillance systems.

This role supports system‑level technical management of the MQ‑1C Gray Eagle platform, coordinating across air vehicle, ground control, datalinks, and mission systems to resolve complex issues and drive platform improvements. The candidate will work with US Army and Army National Guard customers, contribute to proposals and capture activities, and document results for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline with progressive experience.
• Excellent communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to coordinate and lead technical efforts involving less experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Supports system‑level technical management of the MQ‑1C Gray Eagle platform across air vehicle, control station, datalinks, and subsystems.
• Evaluates technical issues and customer needs to develop effective resolution approaches.
• Performs system‑level engineering analysis, trade studies and technical assessments to support improvements.
• Coordinates across engineering disciplines to ensure integrated, executable solutions aligned with program objectives.
• Interfaces with customers (US Army, Army National Guard) to coordinate technical efforts and improvements.
• Contributes to proposal content, requirements analysis, risk identification, and technical planning for opportunities.
• Documents findings and prepares technical reports and presentations for engineering staff and management.

Skills

Strong communication

Team leadership

Cross‑functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree 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. Under general supervision with limited review, this position supports the system‑level technical management of the MQ‑1C Gray Eagle platform for current and future customers. The selected candidate will work across the air vehicle, ground control station, datalinks, and related mission systems to help resolve complex technical issues, support platform improvements, and coordinate cross‑functional engineering efforts. This role also supports technical planning and proposal development for domestic and international opportunities, including Department of Defense (DOD), Direct Commercial Sale (DCS), and Foreign Military Sale (FMS) efforts. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating in a highly collaborative environment with regular interface across engineering disciplines, program management, business development, and customers including the US Army and Army National Guard. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at key milestones or upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. The role requires sound engineering judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate technical issues into practical, integrated solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the system‑level technical management of the MQ‑1C Gray Eagle platform across the aircraft, ground control station, datalinks, and related subsystems.
• Evaluates technical issues, customer needs, and operational challenges and develops effective approaches for resolution.
• Performs system‑level engineering analysis, trade studies, and technical assessments to support issue resolution, capability integration, and platform improvement efforts.
• Coordinates across engineering disciplines to ensure technical solutions are integrated, executable, and aligned with program objectives.
• Interfaces with current customers, including the US Army and Army National Guard, to support technical coordination, issue resolution, and ongoing system improvement efforts.
• Supports proposal and capture activities for new domestic and foreign opportunities by contributing to technical solution development, requirements analysis, risk identification, and proposal content.
• Documents findings, prepares technical reports and presentation materials, and communicates results to engineering staff, management, and customers as required.
• Provides technical direction to designers, technicians, and less experienced professional staff.
• Represents the organization in technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders on assigned projects and customer efforts.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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 bachelor’s degree, master’s 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 bachelor’s degree or two or more years of experience with a master’s degree. Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for education.
• Must have a strong understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with demonstrated ability to apply them to complex multidisciplinary systems and technical problems.
• Must possess the ability to quickly understand new concepts, apply them accurately in an evolving environment, organize and coordinate work across multiple activities, and determine appropriate technical approaches to a range of complex problems.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to coordinate and lead technical efforts involving less experienced professional staff.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with unmanned aircraft systems, military aviation, aerospace systems, or other complex integrated defense platforms.
• Experience with system integration across air vehicle, ground control station, datalinks, mission systems, payloads, or related interfaces.
• Experience supporting fielded systems and working directly with military or government customers.
• Experience with systems engineering activities such as requirements analysis, interface management, trade studies, verification, and configuration or change management.
• Experience supporting proposals, capture efforts, or technical planning for new business opportunities.
• Familiarity with DOD acquisition processes and international customer support environments, including DCS and FMS.
• Experience preparing and delivering technical briefings to customers, leadership, and cross‑functional teams.

Job Type

Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650