Senior Software/Firmware Systems Engineer and Architect

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in San Diego, CA, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead software and firmware architecture for complex real-time embedded systems, coordinating across hardware, firmware, and software teams.

The role emphasizes MBSE with SysML/UML, end-to-end system models, verification planning, and collaboration with IPTs to meet program milestones. A TS/SCI eligible clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading real-time embedded systems projects.
• Ability to define end-to-end architectures across hardware, firmware, and software.
• Experience with SysML/UML and MBSE tools.
• Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead software/firmware architecture and system definition.
• Collaborate with software and firmware teams to implement architecture.
• Develop verification, integration tests and documentation.
• Present technical content at reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and support program readiness.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

MBSE SysML/UML

Embedded real-time software

Architecture interfaces

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering

Tools

Linux

Windows

RTOS

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first‑of‑a‑kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our team located in San Diego, CA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems Engineering & Architecture Leadership

• Lead software and firmware systems engineering activities for complex, real‑time embedded and mission‑critical systems.
• Serve as the software/firmware system architect, defining end‑to‑end architectures and allocating functionality between hardware, firmware, and software.
• Develop and manage systems engineering artifacts related to software and firmware, including requirements, use cases, interface control documents, data/interface definitions, architecture descriptions, technical baselines, and verification and validation plans.
• Use MBSE and SysML/UML tools to:
• Capture and decompose system, subsystem, and lower‑level software/firmware requirements.
• Develop and maintain system models
• Support design trades and system behavior/performance characterization
• Provide technical guidance to systems engineering staff and integrated product teams; mentor and support the development of junior systems engineers.
• Serve as a key technical contributor and present technical content at internal and customer reviews.

Software/Firmware Development Team Interactions

• Lead the definition and creation of documentation of the software/firmware architecture needed for the program.
• Understand and analyze system‑level requirements and operational use cases.
• Identify required software/firmware functions and performance characteristics.
• Define interfaces between software, firmware, hardware, and external systems.
• Work closely with software and firmware development teams to support their design, implementation, and testing of the software/firmware in accordance with the defined architecture.
• Ensure developers have clear requirements and interface definitions to facilitate feedback on feasibility, complexity, and implementation risks.
• Incorporate developer feedback and lessons learned from design and integration into updates of the architecture and requirements.
• Maintain architectural coherence, traceability, and alignment with system requirements and developer led design.

Integration and Test Support

• Support the development of integration and test plans and procedures for software/firmware and system‑level verification and validation.
• Focus on requirements verification and validation against the defined architecture, interface verification, and end‑to‑end functional behavior.
• Feed lessons learned from lab and field testing back into the architecture, requirements, and test plans.
• Participate in test readiness reviews, anomaly documentation, root‑cause analysis, and resolution.
• Ensure that architecture, requirements, and test artifacts remain consistent in a digital engineering environment.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with program management, software/firmware developers, and other functional teams on design, integration, and test activities.
• Participate in and present at program design and readiness reviews throughout the lifecycle.
• Interface with customers to understand needs and communicate technical status.
• Generate technical documentation and presentations that will be used by other engineering disciplines to support programs, proposals, and internal development opportunities.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies; work safely in accordance with established procedures

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

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; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Significant experience architecting software and firmware for real‑time embedded or mission‑critical systems, including those using microcontrollers and FPGAs.
• Experience in software/firmware development with a strong understanding of both high‑level and low‑level computer system integration.
• Understanding of SOSA and MOSA architectural considerations.
• Experience with communication protocols such as RS‑422, I²C, GigE, SPI, TCP, UDP, JSON‑RPC, Modbus TCP, and MQTT.
• Experience developing in Linux, Windows, or microcontroller‑based environments.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, including systems that undergo formal verification and validation.
• Strong foundation in engineering principles and practices, with the ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate work to meet program milestones.
• Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with experience interfacing with customers and cross‑functional.
• A strong understanding of configuration management and change control.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, and to work extended hours when required.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience serving as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead or similar technical leadership role.
• Hands‑on experience integrating complex software/firmware payloads into space, missile defense, or other high‑reliability platforms.
• Experience designing architectures that meet strict real‑time, safety, or mission‑assurance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a software/firmware architecture model that is actively used by multiple development teams as the single source of truth for interfaces and behavior.
• Experience support the transition of a system from initial prototype demonstration to an established product line.
• Experience working on TS/SCI programs supporting contract facility and process requirements.
• Professional recognition such as:
• A Professional Engineering (PE) license
• Publication of original work in engineering journals
• Presentations of original works at an engineering conference or symposium.
• Previous experience working with the Department of Defense or other major customers.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505