Senior Airframe Engineer - Unmanned Aircraft Structures

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.; Poway (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Access to cutting‑edge resources

Hybrid work arrangement in Poway

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking an Advanced Airframe Project Engineer (Engineer V) to lead airframe structures for next‑generation unmanned aircraft.

You will drive design, analysis, and manufacturing integration across teams, delivering cutting‑edge airframe solutions for programs like LongShot and MQ‑Next. The role emphasizes leadership, DFMA, and program execution within a hybrid Poway workplace, with opportunities for professional growth and DoD‑level

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or related technical discipline with progressive experience.
• Experience with airframe structures, design, stress analysis, or manufacturing.
• Ability to obtain DoD security clearance.
• Strong communication, presentation, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead airframe/structures projects for advanced unmanned aircraft.
• Coordinate across Structural, Loads, Materials, Manufacturing teams.
• Develop requirements, statements of work, and project estimates.
• Drive DFMA considerations and transition designs to manufacturing.
• Build and lead cross-disciplinary teams; manage scope, risks, and budgets.
• Prepare technical presentations and documentation for leadership.

Skills

Strong communication

Presentation skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Project

Excel proficiency

Composite structures experience

Ability to work independently

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking an Advanced Airframe Project Engineer (Engineer V) to lead airframe structures for next‑generation unmanned aircraft.

You will drive design, analysis, and manufacturing integration across teams, delivering cutting‑edge airframe solutions for programs like LongShot and MQ‑Next. The role emphasizes leadership, DFMA, and program execution within a hybrid Poway workplace, with opportunities for professional growth and DoD‑level