Lead Electrical Engineer, Control Systems & Integration
San Diego, CaliforniaOverview
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 Lead Electrical Engineer, Control Systems & Integration 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 (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Engineer (EE) to join our Electrical Technologies Embedded Systems team located in Rancho Bernardo. We are looking for someone with drive and talent who thrives in a Research and Development (R&D) environment. The successful candidate will report to the Instrumentations and Control manager and, alongside high-caliber colleagues, will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of high-power electromagnetic systems, high-energy laser (HEL) systems, advanced airborne sensors, space-based laser and electro-optical communications systems, and a variety of other technologies in the expanding product portfolio of GA-EMS. This position involves leading efforts in the data acquisition and system control discipline, including writing firmware to control systems and integrating sensors, actuators, and other devices. The Electrical Engineer will be responsible for developing embedded solutions that support experimental systems and prototypes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and contribute to the development, enhancement, and support of High Energy Laser and other control systems, providing hands-on technical contributions using LabVIEW, Bare-metal C, or C++.
- Participate in technical design and implementation reviews, including firmware, PCB designs, and cable assemblies, to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with system requirements.
- Partner with senior and chief engineers to architect control systems, taking full ownership of technical decisions and design direction within the control systems domain. Depending on the application these could encompass power supplies, power conditioning systems, battery systems, advanced sensors, laser communications, digital signal processing, target tracking, laser beam control/pointing, and instrumentation.
- Generate, plan, and manage discipline-specific Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) using tools such as MS Project, Excel, or JIRA, and oversee their execution to ensure alignment with program milestones and deliverables.
- Generate clear, well-organized technical presentations and documentation for program managers, executives, and customers, adjusting the message to fit each audience.
- Develop and refine control processes for complex electro-optical-mechanical systems, prioritizing hardware integrity and personnel safety.
- Understand and manage interdependent components of complex systems; document relationships, identify failure points, and troubleshoot systematically.
- Independently manage technical responsibilities, delivering high-quality, timely results while providing guidance to junior team members and fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment.
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 (9) or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, seven (7) or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or four (4) or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Demonstrated experience designing systems of varying complexity, including embedded firmware, sensor integration, safety-critical features, data acquisition and instrumentation.
- Demonstrated experience architecting scalable code solutions, applying best practices such as version control, code reviews, modular design, and adherence to embedded system standards
- Working knowledge of the PCB design process, including reading schematics, reviewing layouts, and interpreting circuits, with an understanding of signal conditioning and analysis and their implications on system performance.
- Experience troubleshooting and integrating complex systems involving both firmware and hardware components such as cables, circuit boards, and sensors
- Desired Familiarity with DoD technical review process: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR.
- Possess deep technical knowledge and practical application of engineering principles, along with the ability to plan, schedule, and manage workloads to achieve established deadlines or milestones. Experience in project leadership is desirable.
- Demonstrated aptitude for rapidly learning and accurately applying new concepts in changing conditions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively across departments and with various stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to succeed in both independent and team-based work settings.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
- The submission of a cover letter with resume is desired.
Salary:$105,890 - $189,545
Benefits
-
Healthcare
-
Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
-
Competitive Pay
-
Multiple product lines means a variety of work
-
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
News
-
Featured Jobs
- Legal Assistant San Diego, California
- Electrical Engineer, MODEM Architect San Diego, California
- Project Systems Engineer Poway, California
- Quality Engineer Tupelo, Mississippi
You have not recently viewed any jobs.
You have no saved jobs.
-
Featured Jobs
- Legal Assistant San Diego, California
- Electrical Engineer, MODEM Architect San Diego, California
- Project Systems Engineer Poway, California
- Quality Engineer Tupelo, Mississippi
You have not recently viewed any jobs.
You have no saved jobs.
-
Featured Jobs
- Legal Assistant San Diego, California
- Electrical Engineer, MODEM Architect San Diego, California
- Project Systems Engineer Poway, California
- Quality Engineer Tupelo, Mississippi
You have not recently viewed any jobs.
You have no saved jobs.