Senior Payload Systems Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 128,130 - 229,358; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and high‑resolution surveillance systems.

The role focuses on end‑to‑end payload lifecycle, from conceptual design to production, across airborne, ground, maritime, and fixed installations. The successful candidate will lead payload projects, apply strong engineering fundamentals, and guide a multidisciplinary team to deliver reliable, producible solutions while meeting safety and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering; extensive technical mastery and leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead complex payload design and analysis across multiple disciplines.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Determines annual and multi-year technical objectives for designated payload systems and related projects.
• Serve as prime technical expert and project lead for payload development efforts.
• Provide advisory guidance across structural, thermal, electrical, and integration domains.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and timely production.
• Oversee planning, documentation, analysis, testing, and deployment of payloads.
• Maintain compliance with engineering standards, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Strong communication

Project leadership

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's / Master's / PhD in engineering or related field

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and high‑resolution surveillance systems.

The role focuses on end‑to‑end payload lifecycle, from conceptual design to production, across airborne, ground, maritime, and fixed installations. The successful candidate will lead payload projects, apply strong engineering fundamentals, and guide a multidisciplinary team to deliver reliable, producible solutions while meeting safety and regulatory