Electrical Power System Lead 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 Electrical Power System Lead 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 have an exciting opportunity in our SkyGuardian UAS group. Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for systems engineering and technical leadership for the Avionics Electrical Power System (EPS) Sub-IPT. Initial focus will be coordinating system-level design of aircraft power systems for a new unmanned aircraft variant currently in development. Major areas of development include refactoring power system avionics designs for lightning protection, RTCA DO-178/DO-254 design assurance, and upgraded power system capabilities.
Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide technical leadership and ownership of the Avionics Electrical Power System Sub-IPT
- Provide systems engineering support in conjunction with the avionics design SMEs as follows:
- Aircraft level electrical power system architecture design and integration for avionics and payload upgrades.
- Analyze and define system-level power requirements that flow down to LRU-level requirements.
- Define and manage power budgets, power switch allocations, battery duration determination/charts.
- Evaluates and guides electrical, mechanical, structural, and software detailed designs to ensure system-level requirements are met.
- Analyze and troubleshoot test and integration issues of systems on aviation platforms in system integration lab (SIL), production, and flight test facilities by utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
- Provide project engineering support in conjunction with the program management as follows:
- Working with Avionics IPT Lead, define work scope and deliverables, budget estimates (NRE, materials, travel), and schedule for next year and out-years tasking to support IRAD and customer program(s).
- Work with the functional engineering managers to ensure priorities are well defined and resource allocations are planned to ensure staffing is adequate to meet schedule.
- Responsible for management of power system LRU/subsystem development and testing activities that are both in-house and subcontractor design.
- Define status milestones and due dates to keep development on track and ensure management awareness of task summaries, schedule status, budget status, and technical issues as needed.
- Directs the activities of engineers, designers, technicians and may direct the activities of less experienced professional staff.
- Represent the Chief Engineer’s office at design reviews and Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) as follows:
- Attend design reviews and weigh-in on the technical, schedule and budget needs of the program.
- Coordinate with functional design engineers from various technical disciplines to solve relevant design issues (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Flight Tech, etc…) and keep design efforts on track and within program scope.
- Act as technical representative for customer and management meetings by presenting technical content at design reviews (e.g. Certification Panels, SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, etc…).
- Work with program managers to provide technical coordination of vendors and suppliers by ensuring SOWs and technical specifications are written and correct.
- Coordinate meetings and technical reviews with responsible design engineers and subcontractors.
- Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- 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.
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 bachelor's degree, master's 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 bachelor's degree, seven or more years of experience with a master's degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Demonstrates an extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
- Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems. Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Able to work extended hours as required.
- Must have experience with electronics development and test.
- Background in avionics design (aircraft electronics, mechanical packaging) is desired.
- Specific background developing hardware for military applications is desired.
- Experience with schematic capture, printed circuit board layout, and/or thermal analysis for airborne environments is desirable.
- Experience working as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) and an understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) is desired.
- Experience with FAA Regulations or MIL Specifications desired.
- Able to travel to flight test facilities in Southern California and Arizona as required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.
Salary:$128,130 - $229,358
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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