Vehicle Management System (VMS) IPT Lead

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 105,890 - 189,545; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in Poway is seeking an experienced project/systems engineer to lead as the Vehicle Management System IPT Lead for a next-generation Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program. This role involves overseeing design, development, integration, and production of safety-critical electronic equipment, ensuring project milestones are met within a cross-functional environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, excellent project leadership skills, and the ability to communicate technical information effectively. A Bachelor's degree in engineering is required, with a preference for advanced degrees.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of progressive engineering experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Strong ability to develop innovative solutions to engineering problems.
• Experience with project/IPT leadership and cross-functional coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, and testing of VMS-related avionics.
• Analyze requirements and create system specifications.
• Prepare and present technical documentation and presentations.

Skills

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Technical documentation

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline

Master's degree or PhD preferred

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 are looking for an experienced project / systems engineer to serve as the Vehicle Management System (VMS) IPT Lead in the Advanced Programs Office, supporting a next‑generation Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) and associated prototype programs. This position reports to an Engineering Director in the Advanced Programs Office. As part of a matrix organization, this role will work closely with the Chief Engineer, Air Vehicle IPT leads, and subsystem teams (flight controls, electrical, mission systems, avionics, EWIS, manufacturing) to lead the design, development, integration, and production of safety‑critical electronic equipment in the air vehicle that is essential for safe flight. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of broad objectives and critical reference points and are reviewed at completion. The position exercises considerable latitude in initiating and developing designs, procedures, and solutions to resolve advanced technical engineering problems.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as the prime technical contact and IPT lead for the Vehicle Management System and related flight‑critical electronic equipment on the UCAV program.
• Lead the design, integration, and test of embedded navigation / guidance units and other VMS‑related avionics, including interface definition, hardware integration, and software coordination.
• Analyze aircraft‑level requirements and flow them down to VMS / navigation system specifications, ICDs, and verification plans.
• Provide technical oversight of key vendors/subcontractors, participating in design reviews, monitoring technical progress, and ensuring qualification and integration deliverables meet program needs.
• Support ground, lab, and flight test activities for VMS‑related systems, including test plan development, execution support, and artifact collection for airworthiness/certification.
• Maintain and drive closure of issue trackers and action lists for VMS scope, resolving technical and process roadblocks in coordination with flight controls, avionics, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare and present clear technical documentation and presentations for internal design reviews, customer/program reviews, and airworthiness/flight authorization packages, reflecting the strong documentation and review practices used on prior programs.
• Support Bid & Proposal efforts by contributing to technical concepts, configuration trades, and integration plans for future VMS‑related work.
• Direct the work of design and technical staff and lead small, cross‑functional teams, providing guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers.
• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.

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: nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Develop innovative but practical solutions to advanced technical engineering problems and anticipate future engineering needs and required design modifications.
  • Independently initiate and develop designs, procedures, and techniques to resolve complex system‑integration and certification challenges.
  • Represent the organization as a prime technical contact on identifiable projects and lead cross‑functional coordination with internal teams and external vendors.
  • Organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones, with experience in project/IPT leadership.
• Strong skills in:
  • Cross‑disciplinary coordination (acting as liaison between electrical, software, flight controls, avionics, mission systems, EWIS, manufacturing, and suppliers), similar to existing IPT leads who manage integration and IMS coordination.
  • Technical documentation and redline management, including preparation of airworthiness/flight‑authorization‑like packages, memos, and review materials.
  • Clear, concise verbal and written communication for internal and external technical presentations.
  • Working both independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary, fast‑paced prototype environment.
• Preferred background:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, and/or significant experience with embedded software / controls for flight‑critical systems.
  • Experience with aircraft system integration and safety‑critical systems (e.g., vehicle management, navigation, guidance, or similar).
  • Must be able to work extended hours as required and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary
Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545