Engineer IV

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable, remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA a growing center of excellence in San Diego, CA – where innovation meets mission impact. We bring together high-performing technical experts and future leaders to develop, integrate, and field cutting-edge mission systems that meet the evolving needs of warfighters and decision-makers. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team to drive strategic objectives, develop customer-facing relationships, and architect solutions that bring complex systems of systems together—delivering real-world mission outcomes.

The Payload Integration group addresses challenging problems by developing, integrating, fielding, supporting, and advancing mature technologies into payload solutions for GA-ASI platforms. Current payloads include Multi-Mode Radars, EO/IR systems, Advanced IRST, Electronic Warfare systems, Countermeasures, and Signal Intelligence sensors to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with a passion for innovation, a deep understanding of gimbal-stabilized EO/IR technologies, and the technical expertise to enhance and expand turreted multi-sensor optical payloads into new mission sets. This role focuses on the integration and mission expansion of gimbal-stabilized, turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads. Qualified candidates will bring hands-on expertise with optical platforms incorporating high-resolution EO cameras, IR sensors, laser rangefinders, and laser designators optimized for precision targeting, long-range surveillance, and real-time intelligence collection.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Integrate, optimize, and support gimbal-stabilized and turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads onto airborne platforms, ensuring seamless hardware and software performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop expertise and become the subject matter expert and technological champion in the relevant capabilities
• Understanding of hardware and software management in addition to manufacturing principles to maintain a strategic product portfolio
• Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity standards for sensitive optical and sensor systems
• Leads diverse multi-function engineering teams, meeting critical program milestones, and successfully executing programs within the defined cost and schedule. 
• Represents as the face of engineering for this payload ensure consistent/appropriate messaging as well as cross-communication between internal and external stakeholders.
• Supports engineering estimates and proposals during business development and shaping activities.
• Develops program plans, estimates, schedules and execute programs to ensure programmatic and technical success.
• Perform system analysis, trade studies, author technical white papers, and generate customer technical data packages.
• Complete, document, and present System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and other technical reviews.
• Supports mission architecture implementations and designs and CONOP development.
• Supports payload compatibility and enhancement for open architecture initiatives (OMS, FACE, CESMO, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, fusion, track management, and other interoperability capabilities.
• Supports the development of test plans and manage the integration, verification and validation new capabilities and technologies.
• Supports development of business/strategic objectives and system concept-of-operations

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.


 

• 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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD.  May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. 
• Operational or Test experience with EO/IR payloads is highly desired
• Demonstrates technical expertise in the application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must have previous experience in a technical or similar role, with experience in technical leadership with an emphasis on project execution as well as product innovation.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in a dynamic work environment.
• Must possess the ability to resolve complex technical problems.
• Previous experience in developing and integrating hardware and software with various engineering disciplines including Mechanical, Electrical, RF, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Software.
• Candidate is desired to have some experience or awareness in Product Management, Proposal or Estimate Development, Basis of Estimation; Commercial and/or DOD Product development.
• Must be customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Willingness and ability to support new business development efforts are essential and required.
• Knowledge of DoD requirements generation and military system acquisition processes is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain an maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance is highly desired.