Systems Engineer MQ-9B Programs

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ICP bonus

Hybrid work up to 1 day/week remote

401(k) with company match

Company pension

On-site cafeterias, gyms and outdoor R

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a mid-level Systems Engineer focused on software systems to join the MQ-9 Requirements and Architecture Engineering team in Poway, CA.

You will support the MQ-9B product line, collaborating across disciplines to integrate system capabilities and deliver advanced automation and surveillance solutions. You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and drive MBSE-based technical innovation in support of GA-ASI’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in engineering or related technical field; progressive engineering experience

Responsibilities

• Perform system engineering for Unmanned Aircraft programs across disciplines
• Develop, validate, implement and integrate MQ-9 capabilities based on customer requirements
• Ensure requirements traceability and alignment with project goals
• Use MBSE principles and tools to solve engineering challenges
• Create design documents, test plans and system manuals
• Collaborate with software, hardware and manufacturing teams during reviews and testing
• Interface with internal/external stakeholders with strong communication
• Support DO-178/DO-254 certification efforts and maintain MIL-STD/ITAR compliance

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Leadership potential

DOD clearance

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Engineering

Tools

DOORS

Jama

MATLAB

Simulink

CAD

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.

Highlights Working For GA-ASI

• This position is eligible for the Individual Compensation Program (ICP) bonus.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work environment (up to 1 day/week remote work from home) pending project needs.
• Outstanding benefits including: 401(k) (with company match), company pension, on site cafeterias, gyms and outdoor recreation centers, Employee Recreation Association (ERA) which gives unlimited access to discounted tickets for amusement parks such as San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
• Outstanding work environment: team-centric, value and respect all contributors, great growth potential within GA-ASI project engineering and GA-ASI as a whole.

We are seeking a mid-level Systems Engineer with a strong focus on software systems to join our MQ-9 Requirements and Architecture Engineering team located in Poway, CA. In this role, you will support GA-ASI’s MQ-9B product line and contribute to the successful implementation of advanced system functions. As part of a growing software-focused systems engineering team, you will collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of system capabilities within the platform.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in systems engineering, particularly software systems—to deliver cutting-edge technology solutions. You will also have the chance to mentor junior engineers, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and drive technical innovation in support of an expanding global customer base.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform System Engineering activities primarily focused on Unmanned Aircraft (UA) related programs.
• Work across multiple engineering disciplines to develop, validate, implement and integrate capabilities into the MQ-9 platform based on customer requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to review and refine system requirements.
• Ensure that requirements are traceable, achievable, and aligned with project goals.
• Use tools like DOORS or Jama to manage requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in the design of system architectures, ensuring they meet functional and performance requirements. Identify potential risks in system design, development, or implementation.
• Determine system impacts based on functional analysis to a proposed change.
• Assist in developing technical specifications and models for system components.
• Apply Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools to solve engineering challenges.
• Utilize engineering tools for simulation, modeling, and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, or CAD software).
• Work on integrating hardware, software, and other subsystems into larger systems.
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and scripts to validate system functionality.
• Troubleshoot issues during integration and testing phases, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to resolve them.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including design documents, test reports, and system manuals.
• Prepare presentations and reports for internal reviews or customer briefings.
• Work closely with senior engineers, project managers, and cross-functional teams (e.g., software, hardware, and manufacturing).
• Effectively interface with personnel, both internal and external to the organization, using strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and status meetings.
• Ensure systems comply with relevant standards, such as MIL-STD (military standards) and ITAR/EAR (export control regulations).
• Support efforts to meet certification requirements, such as DO-178 for software or DO-254 for hardware.
• 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.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.

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; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a complete 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.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and, lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650