Project Engineer MQ-9A CLS Sustainment Program

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

Benefits offered by this job

Individual Compensation Program bonus

401(k) with company match

On-site gyms and recreation centers

Discounted tickets for local attractions

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is seeking a Project Engineer in Poway, CA to support the MQ-9A CLS Sustainment Program. This role includes improving engineering processes and resolving technical issues while maintaining a hybrid work environment.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering with 4+ years of experience, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead project teams. Competitive salary and outstanding benefits offered, including bonuses and access to company recreation facilities.

Qualifications

• B.S. in engineering or related discipline is typically required, with 4+ years of experience.
• Ability to lead teams and perform complex tasks in engineering.
• Experience in improving turnaround time in project engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute improvement projects focused on reducing cycle times.
• Conduct process mapping and root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate change adoption.

Skills

Communication skills

Team 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.

We have an exciting opportunity located in Poway, CA for a Project Engineer to support the MQ-9A CLS Sustainment Program. Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult engineering problems including sustainment turnaround time. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives, anticipated results, sources of information, and possible approaches. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff, and makes technical presentations as required. May coordinate segments of a specific project and may have frequent inter-organization and customer contact on technical issues. Tasks involve the exercise of independent judgment and discretion about matters of significance. May provide direction to technical staff and less experienced professional staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and execute improvement projects focused on reducing cycle times and enhancing throughput.
• Conduct process mapping, time studies, waste identification, and root‑cause analysis.
• Develop and implement process changes that improve turnaround time, quality, capacity utilization, and operational consistency.
• Collect, interpret, and analyze data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to facilitate change adoption and ensure project sustainability.
• Report project progress to leadership, highlighting risks, results, and recommendations.
• Work with the Lead Project Engineer to fulfill the technical obligations of the MQ‑9A Sustainment Program requirements.
• Support operation of engineering systems by evaluating and interpreting needs and problems and developing effective approaches to resolving those issues.
• Troubleshoot, analyze, and repair systems in assigned areas by utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
• May direct the activities of subject matter experts, technicians, and less experienced professional staff.
• Provide documentation and produce technical presentations as required.
• May represent the organization in providing solutions to technical issues associated with specific projects.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Perform 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

Highlights Working For GA-ASI

• This position is eligible for the Individual Compensation Program (ICP) bonus.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment (up to 1 day/week remote work from home) pending project needs.
• Outstanding benefits including: 401(k) (with company match), company pension, on‑site cafeterias, gyms and outdoor recreation centers, unlimited access to discounted tickets for amusement parks such as San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
• Outstanding work environment: team‑centric, value and respect all contributors, great growth potential within GA-ASI project engineering and GA-ASI as a whole.

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: four or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or two or more years of experience with a master’s degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and, lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi‑routine tasks.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in delivering measurable improvements in turnaround time or throughput.
• DoD Industry Experience is desirable.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification is desirable.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: $81,080 – $141,650