Project Engineer, Ground Control Systems (UAS)

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

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a Project Engineer to support Ground Control Station development for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle program. This role ensures reliable C2, mission execution, and readiness of a premier UAS platform, working across multidisciplinary teams in a secure defense environment.

The ideal candidate has strong project execution and systems engineering experience in regulated defense settings, with hands-on GCS knowledge and DoD standard familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering or related technical field required, with progression experience.
• Hands-on experience with Ground Control Stations or command-and-control systems for unmanned platforms.
• Strong understanding of UAS architectures including GCS, datalink, and payload integration.
• Experience in regulated defense environments and DoD standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461).

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts supporting Ground Control Stations (GCS) for MQ-1C Gray Eagle UAS.
• Manage system requirements, architecture, and interface definitions for C2 and data systems.
• Coordinate across systems, software, hardware, networks, cybersecurity, and human-machine interfaces.
• Oversee integration of GCS subsystems including operator workstations and datalinks.
• Plan and execute IV&V activities in lab and field environments.
• Support development and sustainment of Gray Eagle GCS configurations and upgrades.
• Interface with Army stakeholders, program offices, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with DoD standards and cybersecurity frameworks (RMF).
• Identify risks and drive mitigation across the program lifecycle.

Skills

Systems integration

Cross-functional coordination

C2 and data link concepts

Technical communication with military

Education

Engineering degree (Bachelors/Master's/PhD)

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a Project Engineer to support Ground Control Station development for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle program. This role ensures reliable C2, mission execution, and readiness of a premier UAS platform, working across multidisciplinary teams in a secure defense environment.

The ideal candidate has strong project execution and systems engineering experience in regulated defense settings, with hands-on GCS knowledge and DoD standard familiarity.