Project Engineer MQ-9B International Program

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ICP bonus

Hybrid work environment

On-site facilities

Gyms and recreation centers

EV charging at work

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Poway, CA seeks an experienced Project Engineer for the MQ-9B Program Engineering group. The role focuses on development and fielding of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian UAS for India.

Under limited supervision, you will lead country-specific airborne, ground and data infrastructure development, coordinate with MQ-9B leads, and support global supplier development and proposal efforts for this high‑profile program.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in engineering with progressive experience.
• Six+ years with a bachelor’s degree, four+ years with a master’s, or two+ years with a PhD.
• Strong engineering concepts and broad application across technical specialties.

Responsibilities

• Leads hardware and software integration for the UAS flight environment.
• Plans and leads projects with cross-functional teams to meet schedule and budget.
• Develops system architectures tied to mission and performance requirements.
• Performs full lifecycle execution from concept through airworthiness testing and fielding.
• Supports test events (SIL, Ground and Flight Test) and presents technical material.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Systems engineering

Technical communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher 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 for an experienced Project Engineer to join our MQ-9B Program Engineering group located in Poway, CA focused on development and fielding of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian UAS for the country of India.

Under limited supervision, this Project Engineer will lead country-specific advanced airborne, ground and data infrastructure development efforts in coordination with MQ-9B Program Engineering leads and functional engineering resources. Additionally, this Project Engineer will support global strategic supplier development, proposal efforts and customer-specific capability integration as we bring the most sophisticated MQ-9B variant ever produced to India.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads hardware and software integration efforts for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) flight environment.
• Leads and plans projects with diverse cross-functional engineering teams to successfully execute programs within budget and schedule.
• Develops system architectures tied to mission and performance requirements.
• Conducts and leads trade studies that results in design and architectures that meet mission needs.
• Performs full lifecycle program execution from concept through airworthiness testing, certification and fielding.
• Actively plans, leads and participates in test events, including System Integration Lab (SIL), Ground and Flight Test phases.
• Develops and presents technical material for diverse audiences.
• Interfaces with US Government and International Customer stakeholders.
• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.
• Troubleshoots conflicting design/development requirements, difficult coordination elements, and special requirements.
• Understands and applies systems engineering principles; organizes project definitions in a top-down organized system engineering approach.
• Effectively applies Concept of Operations (CONOPs) to drive physical and functional design requirements.
• Actively supports proposal development through work scope definitions, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) organization and engineering estimation.
• Works collaboratively with global suppliers to include development of work packages, contract elements and collaboration work products.
• Represents the organization as the prime technical contact on related efforts, when required.
• Provides direction to technical teams and leads moderately experienced professional staff.
• Responsible for the execution and implementation of the engineering process: design, development, integration, test and performance verification.
• Manages program schedule and resource needs.
• Leads and develops program reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR and Test Readiness reviews.
• Supports program capture and business development activities.
• Integrates and tests mission systems of varying maturity levels.
• Develops physical and functional data dissemination and data flows solutions.
• Generates airworthiness documentation and approvals, as required.
• Applies cyber security requirements including IATT and network security; interprets classification guidance, DD254s and related security related elements.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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 at discounted rates.
• 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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough 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 develop and communicate new concepts; 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 strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and, lead a team of moderately experienced professional employees on single component projects.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License and original work published in professional engineering journals are desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398