UCAV Vehicle Management Systems Lead

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is seeking an experienced project/systems engineer to lead the Vehicle Management System IPT for UCAV programs.

You will collaborate with flight controls, avionics, electrical, and software teams to design, integrate, and certify safety‑critical electronics for air vehicles. Reporting to an Engineering Director in the Advanced Programs Office, you will mentor staff, drive technical solutions, and support bid/proposal efforts with integration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in engineering or related field with progressive engineering experience.
• Nine+ years with a bachelor's, seven+ years with a master's, or four+ years with a PhD; substitute equivalent.
• Strong ability to develop innovative solutions and lead cross-functional coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external presentations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as prime technical contact and IPT lead for the Vehicle Management System on the UCAV program.
• Lead design, integration, and test of embedded navigation units and VMS‑related avionics.
• Analyze requirements and flow to navigation system specifications and verification plans.
• Provide technical oversight of vendors, participate in design reviews and ensure deliverables meet needs.
• Support ground, lab, and flight test activities for VMS‑related systems and airworthiness packaging.
• Drive closure of issue trackers and coordinate with multiple teams to remove roadblocks.
• Prepare technical documentation and presentations for design reviews and program reviews.

Skills

IPT leadership

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Technical documentation

Verbal & written communication

Independent design development

Mentoring engineers

DoD clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is seeking an experienced project/systems engineer to lead the Vehicle Management System IPT for UCAV programs.

You will collaborate with flight controls, avionics, electrical, and software teams to design, integrate, and certify safety‑critical electronics for air vehicles. Reporting to an Engineering Director in the Advanced Programs Office, you will mentor staff, drive technical solutions, and support bid/proposal efforts with integration