System Development and Test Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA, seeks a System Development & Test (SD&T) Engineer to join a fast-paced team advancing unmanned aircraft systems.

This role provides hands-on access to industry-leading platforms and spans hardware/software T&E with strong test coordination. You will plan and execute tests, coordinate with labs and flight ops, and prepare formal test documentation, plans, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering; 2–6+ years experience depending on degree.
• Prior experience in a Test & Integration role for manned and/or unmanned aircraft platforms is highly desired.
• Flight or software test engineer with DoD DT or OT experience is highly desired.
• Experience as test conductor, test director, test pilot/navigator or participation in a CTT or ITF is desired.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; broad application across specialties.
• Knowledge of NAS and UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Ability to perform complex tasks across multiple engineering areas.
• Willingness to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance.
• 25% travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Perform Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities under minimal supervision and determine approaches to achieve T&E goals.
• Act as primary test engineer during test operations; coordinate assets, generate test documentation, and lead test events.
• Initiate engineering project plans and coordinate test events with labs and flight ops facilities.
• Support test plan groups, technical reviews, and safety reviews with internal and external customers.
• Collaborate with systems/project/software engineering on related documentation.
• Communicate test plans, procedures, observations, and test reports clearly.
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and develop solutions to complex test and integration issues.
• Observe all laws and company procedures; work safely at all times.
• 30% travel or as needed.

Skills

Test & Integration

Flight test

DoD experience

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in engineering

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.

Position Details

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a System Development & Test (SD&T) Engineer. This position is located at our Poway, CA location supporting test and evaluation engineering activities on novel and innovative General Atomics systems. This position is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment with hands‑on access to our industry‑leading Unmanned platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities under minimal supervision and apply new concepts in an evolving environment to determine/develop various approaches to achieve T&E goals and help guide the completion of test activities.
• Act as primary test engineer during test operations. Test duties include system level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on test asset coordination, resource allocation, generating test documentation, conducting and directing SIL, ground, and flight test, and providing ground and flight crew direction/leadership during tests events.
• Initiate the planning of engineering projects and coordinate test events with engineering labs and flight ops facilities.
• Support test plan working groups, technical reviews, and safety reviews acting as a primary contact with internal customers and representing the organization with external customers.
• Work side by side with systems/project/software engineering on all associated documentation.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally during all phases of flight test programs to include test plans, ground and flight test procedures/cards, test observations and issues, and test reports.
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and develop solutions to complex test and integration issues found during all phases of test utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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 engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; 6 or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, 6 years of experience with a master’s degree, or 2 years of experience with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Prior experience in a Test & Integration role for manned and/or unmanned aircraft platforms is highly desired.
• Previous flight or software test engineer with a qualification to perform tests for a military organization including prior Department of Defense (DoD) Developmental Test (DT) or Operational Test (OT) experience is highly desired.
• Experience as a test conductor, test director, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined Test Team (CTT) or Integrated Test Force (ITF) is desired.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Must be able to perform complex tasks in multiple engineering areas.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance is required.
• 25% travel is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398