Project Engineer MQ-9A USAF Development & Retrofits

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ICP bonus

Hybrid work environment

Company benefits

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA, seeks a Project Engineer to lead development and retrofit projects, coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, and program management to meet customer requirements.

The role involves direct customer interaction, technical updates, and delivering high-quality solutions on time and within budget, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in engineering from an accredited institution.
• Must understand engineering concepts and have broad application of those concepts.
• Excellent communication, computer, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional Engineering license and DoD security clearance eligibility desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the planning, execution, and delivery of technical development and retrofit projects within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Define project requirements, milestones, and technical deliverables for new systems and retrofit solutions.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Coordinate resources across departments and ensure effective communication with internal stakeholders and customers.
• Interact with customers to understand requirements, provide technical updates, and address concerns throughout the lifecycle.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and status reports to leadership and customers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement and foster a collaborative, results-driven team environment.

Skills

Project management

Engineering leadership

Systems engineering

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master'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.

General Atomics is seeking a highly motivated Project Engineer located in Poway, CA to lead and support projects focused on both new development and retrofits within our innovative and fast-paced environment. This position is responsible for managing technical aspects of projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, budgets, and timelines. The Project Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and program management, to coordinate resources, resolve technical challenges, and deliver high-quality solutions that meet customer requirements.

In addition to internal collaboration, the Project Engineer will interact directly with customers to understand their needs, provide technical updates, and ensure satisfaction with project outcomes. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies, extend the lifecycle of existing systems through retrofitting efforts, and build strong customer relationships. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the ability to effectively communicate across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and support the planning, execution, and delivery of technical development and retrofit projects, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to define project requirements, milestones, and technical deliverables for both new systems and retrofit solutions.
• Solve complex engineering challenges, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Coordinate resources across multiple departments and ensure effective communication among internal stakeholders and customers.
• Interact with customers to understand their requirements, provide technical updates, and address concerns throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and project status reports to leadership and customers, highlighting progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and company policies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing project outcomes and identifying opportunities for process enhancement in both development and retrofit efforts.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment to achieve project goals.

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 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 to events and 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.
• Free Electric Vehicle (EV) charging while at work.

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.
• 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.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 84,000 - 140,625