Senior Payload Systems Lead (R&D & Programs)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks an engineering leader to manage large, complex programs from concept to delivery. You will coordinate across customers, industry partners, and internal teams to ensure technical excellence, program integrity, and on‑time results.

Requires extensive experience in engineering leadership, system integration, and DoD‑level interfaces, with the ability to travel and work extended hours as needed. This is a full‑time, on‑site role in California.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering with progressive leadership in R&D environments.
• Experience leading large programs from concept to completion and interfacing with customers and partners.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for cross‑department collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Supervise program phases from concept through completion, including planning and financial objectives.
• Influence technical approach across customers and industry partners.
• Perform system analysis, generate requirements, and develop architectures and designs.
• Contribute to white papers, concept studies, and proposals.
• Interface with customers, contractors, and engineering teams; support test plans and integration.
• Develop program plans, estimates, and schedules; represent company at technical reviews.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Technical communication

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks an engineering leader to manage large, complex programs from concept to delivery. You will coordinate across customers, industry partners, and internal teams to ensure technical excellence, program integrity, and on‑time results.

Requires extensive experience in engineering leadership, system integration, and DoD‑level interfaces, with the ability to travel and work extended hours as needed. This is a full‑time, on‑site role in California.