Software Developer IV

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.

General Atomics is seeking a seasoned Software Developer to join the team in Poway, CA. Your work will directly support flight and mission-critical capabilities deployed in complex operational environments, contributing to technologies that have meaningful real-world impact.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Determine user requirements and specifications and plan for software development within the broader organizational scope. Software development includes end-user, system level, and data management applications.
• Coordinate development activities across all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle.
• Support planning and execution of software releases across multiple system or customer configurations.
• Ensure engineering work aligns with configuration management processes, release procedures, and quality standards.
• Provide technical oversight of software architecture, implementation approaches, and integration strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with systems engineering, test, integration labs, and program management.
• Support software integration and troubleshooting within lab, simulation, and operational environments.
• Participate in technical reviews including design reviews, code reviews, and test readiness reviews.
• Evaluate and implement process improvements to enhance development efficiency, quality, and delivery reliability.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external engineering teams, program management, and customers within assigned projects.
• Support program execution needs, including schedule-driven integration or release activities.

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 computer science, information systems or related discipline and progressive software development 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 experience in lieu of education.
• Strong understanding of software engineering principles including system architecture, modular design, integration, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor software engineers and coordinate technical work across a development team.
• Experience developing software for complex integrated systems (e.g., distributed systems, real-time systems, embedded platforms, or hardware-software integrated environments).
• Ability to organize, schedule, and manage technical work across multiple concurrent efforts with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical approaches, make sound engineering decisions, and resolve complex system-level problems.
• Experience supporting software integration, verification, and test activities across lab, simulation, or operational environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation and formal engineering reviews.
• Capability to serve as a primary technical point of contact for assigned software scope.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a structured development environment.
• Experience supporting configuration-controlled software delivery within integrated lab or operational environments (e.g., simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, or fielded systems), including formal configuration management and traceable, baselined releases across multiple system configurations.
• Willingness to support program execution needs, including extended hours during integration or release milestones when required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in regulated, safety-critical, or mission-critical software environments.
• Experience with multi-configuration or product-line software development.
• Experience with automated testing, build systems, or development environment provisioning.
• Experience supporting formal software releases or customer deliveries.
• Experience with simulation environments or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience developing software for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or remotely piloted aircraft.
• Experience supporting software development in accordance with DO-178 or similar certification standards.
• Experience integrating AI-assisted development tools into team workflows while maintaining engineering rigor, configuration control, and verification of generated artifacts.
• Prior technical lead or supervisory experience.