Senior Staff Product Sustaining Electrical Engineer

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

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is seeking a highly experienced Senior Staff Product Sustaining Electrical Engineer to join their advanced manufacturing team in Poway, CA. This role is crucial for sustaining production and troubleshooting complex hardware issues while ensuring long-term product performance.

The ideal candidate should possess vast hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing and strong problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or fabrication.
• Proven expertise in analog and digital circuit analysis and PCB troubleshooting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert support for sustaining engineering activities.
• Perform in-depth troubleshooting of electronic assemblies and systems.
• Lead root cause analysis and develop corrective actions.

Skills

Analog and digital circuit analysis

PCB troubleshooting

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline

Master's degree in engineering (preferred)

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

ERP/MRP systems

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 are seeking a highly experienced Senior Staff Product Sustaining Electrical Engineer to join our advanced manufacturing team. This role focuses on sustaining production, troubleshooting complex hardware and system issues, and driving root cause and corrective actions (RCCA) across all product platforms. The ideal candidate brings decades of hands‑on experience in electronic fabrication environments, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, and long‑term product performance.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert‑level support for sustaining engineering, including component obsolescence management, test failures, yield improvement, and production line support.
• Perform in‑depth troubleshooting of electronic assemblies, boards, and systems down to the component level.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and develop robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for recurring or high‑impact issues.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including design engineering, manufacturing, test, and quality to ensure continuous product and process improvement.
• Review and update schematics, BOMs, test procedures, and documentation as part of sustaining activities.
• Support failure analysis on returned units and drive resolution of customer‑reported field issues.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Interface with vendors and suppliers to resolve technical or component‑related issues affecting production.

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 bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows: fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• 15+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, fabrication, or test environments.
• Proven expertise in analog and digital circuit analysis, PCB troubleshooting, and test instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, DFM principles, and root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA).
• Experience with electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, etc.).
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, ECO processes, and configuration management tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 128,130 - 229,358