UAV Systems Development & 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

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.