Spectrum Dominance Antenna Project Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 116,480 - 208,505; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is seeking a Project Engineer specializing in RF sensors, antennas, and low observable integration in Poway, California. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in Advanced Programs, strong technical leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex engineering projects. This full-time position offers a salary range of $116,480 - $208,505 and requires a bachelor's degree as well as experience in spectrum dominance specialties.

Qualifications

• Typically requires twelve or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge of industry primes & partners (Tier I, II, III suppliers).
• Ability to distill complex engineering topics into concise presentation materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance to a multi-discipline engineering team.
• Manage complex cross-functional projects involving RF hardware components.
• Lead system level qualification, verification, and validation testing.

Skills

Communication skills

Technical leadership

Collaboration

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree or PhD in engineering

Tools

HFSS

Microwave CST

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 have an exciting opportunity for a Project Engineer (PE) specializing in RF sensors, antennas, electronically steered arrays (ESAs) and low observable (LO) integration. This PE will join our Agile Mission Systems (AMS) team here in San Diego in support of multiple advanced projects focusing on electromagnetic spectrum dominance.

The ideal candidate will be a Project Engineer with experience in Advanced and Special Programs and will execute goals, document artifacts, and complete deliverables to internal and external customers using GA-ASI resources. The successful candidate will work hand‑in‑hand with Program Management, Chief Engineer, Spectrum Dominance IPT Lead, and other program leadership. Technical performance includes design, analysis, development, modeling, and test of our own RF antennas, supplier management of the world’s best antenna companies, defining statements of work (SoWs), writing procurement specifications, technical maturation, risk management/risk reduction, and integrating complex, multi‑function sensors. You will see your own products introduced onto emerging aircraft and flown to bring the warfighter communications, datalinks, radar, GPS, and other mission‑critical functions.

This candidate will functionally report to the Project Engineering Technical Director of Spectrum Dominance and technically report to an Advanced Programs Program Manager. We are seeking individuals who have niche technical experience in at least one area and are generally competent in many. In this manner, the engineer will interface with those having other niche experience, reduce risk, and close on a balanced design for all stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• With limited direction, provide leadership, direction, and guidance to a multi‑discipline engineering team by determining technical objectives and/or solutions to resolve highly technical and complex engineering problems across concept development, prototyping, and manufacturing programs.
• Manage and execute complex cross‑functional projects involving RF hardware components, Mission network architecture, and Survivability design to cost, schedule, and performance expectations.
• Lead system level Qualification, Verification and Validation Testing of hardware and software with emphasis placed on deriving & tracking test requirements, generation of system level Test Plans and Procedures, conducting Lab/Ground/Flight testing.
• Quickly grasp and understand the full scope of antenna, ESA, or radar integration activities and come up to speed quickly in new areas. Take on high‑level problems and recommend a technical path forward.
• Strong ability to collaborate and draw support and guidance from senior engineering staff and program management offices.

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.
• Knowledge of and relationships with industry primes & partners (Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III suppliers).
• Must have excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills. Must be able to distill complex engineering topics into concise presentation materials, and present effectively to customers, internal stakeholders, and Sr. management.
• Experience at 1 or more RF and/or RCS measurement ranges.
• 8+ years’ experience in one or more of the following Spectrum Dominance specialties:
  • Survivability and Mission Systems design & integration
  • Computational electromagnetic modeling (CEM) analysis (e.g., HFSS or Microwave CST)
  • Developing requirements, specifications, and solutions that meet those requirements
  • Design, analysis, or modeling of RF or EO/IR sensors
  • System, Subsystem Integration Laboratory (SIL), or flight test experience in coalescing a Mission Systems Suite
  • Electronic Warfare
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance is required. Top Secret preferred.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505