Advanced Programs Avionics Project Engineer
Poway, California
Overview
General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.
Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.
Schedule: Full-Time Salary
Job Level: Senior (8+ years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Advanced Programs Avionics Project Engineer at General Atomics? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Inventive
- Problem Solver
- Team Player
- Creative
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 experienced project engineers to support research and development efforts for a next generation UAS. This position reports to an Engineering Manager in the Advanced Programs Office. As part of a matrix organization, this position will work closely with the Chief Engineer and the Integrated Product Team (IPT) leaders working to develop a next generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Major areas of development include avionics, vehicle management systems, electrical power systems, communications and payload systems, fuel systems, as well as actuators and mechanisms. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and reviewed at completion. Successful candidates will be capable of contributing to the development of innovative designs or modifications in order to meet program goals, independently performing difficult/complex engineering work with instructions as to the general expected results, documenting findings, communicating results to other engineering staff, and making technical presentations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.
- Works with electrical engineering to develop advanced avionics including critical flight computers, miniature high performance computing systems and power systems.
- Works with suppliers to define requirements and deliver prototype and production avionics systems.
- Champions innovative systems engineering approaches, digital models, and sound engineering principles across multiple disciplines and can contribute to development of behavioral and/or functional capabilities at the component, subsystem, and system level
- Demonstrated proficiency in coordination across multiple engineering disciplines, including systems, mechanical, electrical, software, etc.
- Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required.
- May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on contracts with external suppliers
- Provides direction to design or technical staff and will lead a team of experienced professional staff.
- Responsible for the execution and implementation of the engineering process: design, development, integration, test and performance verification.
- Evaluates multi-disciplinary engineering solutions within the context of the overall system under development; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates are completed.
- Coordinates closely with program management to create/update schedules and associated resource needs for a cross-functional engineering team.
- Leads SRR, PDR, CDR, and Test and Operation Readiness reviews.
- Manages engineering and programmatic risks at all phases of development
- Interfaces with customer contacts to ensure all requirements are being met
- Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information
- Leads program capture and business development activities including attendance of industry days, generating of white papers, proposal technical volumes and basis of estimates and BOMs for proposal cost volumes
- Coordinates logistical elements of program execution, including but not limited to facilities, security and information technology.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
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; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Must possess the ability to contribute to the development of new concepts and principles; resolve unusually complex technical problems; serve as spokesperson on projects and/or programs; and be a technical expert in one or more areas of engineering.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective leadership interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
- Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
- Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment. Able to work extended hours as required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security clearance is required.
Salary:$116,480 - $208,505
Benefits
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Healthcare
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Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
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Competitive Pay
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Multiple product lines means a variety of work
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Paid Time Off

“The company is growing, has a very good reputation and had open positions in my area of expertise (aircraft design/design methodology development).”– Peter, Senior Staff Engineer

“We don't ascribe to quotas; we do ascribe to securing the BEST talent to enrich our culture toward healthy diversification and active/viable community service. We are STEM advocates.”– Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer

“Every day is different, with different problems to solve and many programs to support. I am a problem solver and have always been motivated by the tough questions.”– Scott, Laser Scientist

“I work in the Components Engineering and Obsolescence Management Dept. Our efforts are saving General Atomics several millions of dollars by proactively leading and informing the company of all these decisions which significantly impact production, sustainment and new designs.”– John, Staff Engineer
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