MQ-9 International Programs Project Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) seeks a seasoned International Programs Project Engineer in the San Diego area to lead multi-disciplinary teams, oversee mission payload integration, and drive rapid fielding efforts for international customers.

The candidate will coordinate system architecture, ensure export control compliance, and develop customer-facing technical data packages for SRR/PDR/CDR.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Engineering or related technical discipline with progressive engineering experience.
• Demonstrates technical leadership with project execution and product innovation.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills for multi-department interfaces.
• Experience in hardware/software integration across Mechanical, Electrical, RF, Cyber and Software.
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret and TS/SCI clearances is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams to meet program milestones and budgets.
• Oversee integration of mission payloads and sensors for international customer requirements.
• Provide rapid technical support for QRC and COCO fielding efforts.
• Drive system architecture development and alignment with international standards.
• Represent programs as technical lead for international customers and subcontractors.
• Foster collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and QA to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Customer engagement

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

GA-ASI UAS platforms

MQ-9/MQ-1/Avenger interfaces

OMS/FACE/STANAG standards

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems and integrated mission technologies.

International Programs Project Engineers lead multi-disciplinary teams, innovate, design, integrate, test, qualify, and rapidly field cutting‑edge technologies, sensors, and payload solutions into Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA is a growing center of excellence seeking high performing technical contributors and future leaders. This candidate will lead, support strategic objectives, stitch together systems of systems, develop customer facing relationships & networks, and produce mission system capability solutions that meet end users/customer’s requirements and CONOPs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead diverse, multi-functional engineering teams to meet critical program milestones and execute programs within defined cost and schedule parameters.
• Oversee integration of mission payloads, including sensors, communication systems, and advanced technologies, tailored to international customer requirements and operational environments.
• Provide rapid response and technical support for Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) and Contractor‑Owned, Contractor‑Operated (COCO) fielding efforts to ensure timely deployment and operational readiness.
• Drive system architecture development and alignment with international standards, operational requirements, and customer‑specific environments.
• Representing engineering programs as the technical point of contact for international customers, external stakeholders, and subcontractors, ensuring consistent and appropriate messaging.
• Enable effective collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and quality assurance teams to deliver integrated solutions on time and within budget.
• Develop program plans, estimates, schedules, and execute programs in accordance with established goals and objectives
• Perform system analysis, trade studies, author technical white papers, and generate customer‑facing technical data packages. Complete and present System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR)
• Ensure all technical activities comply with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and other international requirements
• Support the development of business and strategic objectives, system CONOPs, customer demonstrations, evaluation programs, and COCO efforts in international markets.

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, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution with progressive engineering experience defined as follows: 12 or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 10 or more years of experience with a Master’s degree, or 7 or more years of experience with a Ph.D. Equivalent engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of formal education.
• Demonstrates technical expertise in the application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must have previous experience in Technical, Project Engineering or similar role, and experience in technical leadership with an emphasis on project execution as well as product innovation.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in a dynamic work environment.
• Must possess the ability to resolve complex technical problems.
• Previous experience in developing and integrating hardware and software with various engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, RF, Cyber and Software.
• Demonstrates technical expertise and experience with GA-ASI Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & platforms, and quickly understand critical interfaces including MQ-9, MQ-1 and Avenger.
• Plans and leads development efforts that may require extensive Software Engineering scope.
• Candidate should have experience in one or more of the following technologies: Multi‑Mode Radars, EO/IR systems, Advance IRST, Electronic Warfare systems, Multi‑INT systems, Countermeasures, Communications, Tactical Datalinks, Automation Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence (A3I), HMI/UI, Cybersecurity, Software Architectures, Open Architectures and Standards (OMS, FACE, STANAG, etc.) , Networking, Modeling & Simulation.
• Candidate is desired to have experience with Product Management, Proposal Development, Basis of Estimation, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS); Commercial and/or DOD Product development.
• Must be customer focused, must be able to work on a self‑initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Willingness and ability to support new business development efforts are essential and required.
• Knowledge of DoD requirements generation and military system acquisition processes is highly desirable.
• Core Competencies:
• Expertise in MQ-9A/B systems, including air vehicles, mission payloads, and ground control systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of mission payload systems integration, including Multi‑Mode Radars, EO/IR systems, Electronic Warfare, Tactical Datalinks, and Autonomy/AI capabilities.
• Experience with system architecture alignment and open architecture standards (OMS, FACE, STANAG, etc.).
• Proven ability to lead rapid fielding efforts (QRC/COCO) in dynamic environments.
• Skilled in cross‑functional collaboration, customer engagement and stakeholder management.
• Familiarity with international defense programs and export compliance regulations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance is required.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance is highly desired.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505