Senior Systems Engineer

General Atomics

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 116,000 - 209,000

Full time

27 hours ago

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Job summary

General Atomics is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer in San Diego, CA to lead systems engineering activities for space systems and payloads. You will develop requirements, models, and verification plans using MBSE tools, mentoring junior engineers and interfacing with customers.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, AI&T planning, and delivering complex defense architectures while maintaining stringent confidentiality and security requirements.

Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline with progressive experience (12+ years with bachelor’s, 10+ with master’s, or 7+ with PhD).
Significant experience developing space-based systems and space payloads.
Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects with formal verification and validation.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with customer interfacing experience.
Experience with digital engineering and MBSE tools used in space system development (Cameo, DOORS, Confluence, Teams, JIRA).
Understanding of the systems engineering V-model and AI&T planning.

Responsibilities

Lead systems engineering activities for complex defense space systems and payloads.
Develop and manage requirements, interface control documents, test plans, and baselines.
Use SysML tools and MBSE to decompose and model system architectures.
Provide guidance to engineers and mentor junior staff; present content at reviews.
Support AI&T planning, test readiness reviews, and anomaly resolution.
Collaborate with program management and cross-functional teams; interface with customers.

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Leadership

Customer interfacing

Communication

Cameo

DOORS

Confluence

JIRA

Space payloads

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

Cameo

MagicDraw

DOORS

Confluence

Teams

JIRA

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.

Job Summary

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 (SE) Leadership

Lead systems engineering activities for complex defense systems, with an emphasis on space systems and payloads.
Develop and manage systems engineering artifacts, including requirements, interface control documents, test plans/procedures, and configuration baselines.
Use SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw) and MBSE methods to:
- Capture and decompose system, subsystem, and lower‑level 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.

Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Support

Support AI&T planning and execution for space systems and other complex platforms, working closely with dedicated AI&T leads.
Contribute to the development and review of AI&T plans and procedures, ensuring alignment with system requirements and verification/validation objectives.
Participate in test activities as a systems engineer, including requirements verification, test readiness reviews, and anomaly documentation and resolution.
Help ensure consistency between system models, requirements, and test artifacts in a model‑based systems engineering environment.

Space Systems and Payload Experience

Apply experience with space‑based systems and payloads to inform architecture, requirements, and design decisions across multiple programs.
Support the design and integration of space payloads into broader system architectures, including interfaces, performance, and mission operations.
Contribute space domain expertise while remaining flexible to support other defense systems as program needs evolve.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Collaborate with program management, engineering disciplines, 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.

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 developing space‑based systems and space payloads.
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.
Experience with digital engineering and collaboration tools used in space system development such as Cameo, DOORS, Confluence, Teams, and JIRA.
Understanding of the systems engineering “V” model and how key milestones drive AI&T planning and decisions.
Experience developing or reviewing AI&T plans, procedures, and test reports.
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.
Experience with space payload development, including hands‑on integration experience with space‑qualified hardware and test activities.
Experience applying NASA GSFC-STD-7000B, SMC-S-016, or other relevant space industry standards.
Experience leading development of an MBSE model used as the primary systems engineering deliverable, with milestone reviews conducted directly from the model rather than traditional slide decks or documents.
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 space customers.