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 currently have an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Systems Engineer to define next generation communications modems and integrate them into ground and airborne systems. Our Systems Engineering group is a part of our Agile Mission Systems (AMS) division. In this critical position, you will have the ability to define platform level communication architectures and see them rapidly fielded

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide systems engineering and technical coordination for the development, fabrication, testing, integration, and maintenance of new or existing systems on GA-ASI, Unmanned Air Systems (UAS).
• Design communications systems and document their architecture by creating interconnect diagrams, functional block diagrams, waveform description documents, and algorithm design documents. Model parts of the architecture using MATLAB (or equivalent) and analyze results to ensure system will meet design requirements. Develop prototypes and test their performance in a lab environment.
• Determine the technical objectives for solution(s) to engineering problems.
• Perform system analysis, generate requirements, and develop system architecture and designs.
• Provide direction to technical staff and may lead a team of diverse, cross-functional staff.
• Support the development of test plans and manage the integration, verification, and validation of systems through flight test.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design/development requirements, project coordination difficulties, and on-site integration and testing concerns.
• Coordinate and interface with customers, contractors, and engineering groups assigned to projects.
• Develop program plans, estimates, and schedules and execute programs in accordance with those plans.
• Summarize and report weekly/monthly project status as well as effectively document and communicate project delays or issues with team members.
• Provide support for proposals and white papers.
• Represent the organization at technical reviews, meetings, and system level integrations.

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; 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.
• Experience with communications systems and modem design methodologies with knowledge of waveform development including FEC, interleaving, modulation, coding, channelization, and equalization.
• Experience with designing and budgeting communications systems including accounting for items such as gain, frequency response, mismatch, linearity, and group delay. Experience performing communications link budgets from transmitter to receiver including atmospheric effects. Experience with algorithm development and systems design using MATLAB or equivalent.
• Experience with waveform testing such as bit-error rate (BER), EVM, and channel occupancy. Experience in the use of RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, BER testers, and oscilloscopes.
• Knowledge of computer equipment including interfaces, processors, memory, graphics processing, and field programmable gate assemblies (FPGAs) with knowledge of OSI layers from the network to the physical including the medium access controller (MAC) layer
• Demonstrates a broad understanding 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 be able to understand and apply new concepts quickly in a fast-paced, evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level, or with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated, independent basis or in a team environment.
• Must have ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.
• Must have ability to direct system-level design through interconnects and interface control documentation.
• Experience with payload integration, software, datalinks, and computer networking is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.
• Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience as an engineering lead on a design project.
  • Experience with optimizing and designing waveforms utilizing channel models. Experience with waterfall curves and using them for waveform optimization and design.
  • Experience in software testing and programming in C++ and other object-oriented programming languages.
  • Experience in the design of high frequency (HF) waveforms and communications systems.
  • Existing Secret or Top Secret security clearance is a plus.