52909BR
Company:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
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 to join our team as a System Development & Test (SD&T) Engineer in our Special Projects and Payloads Systems Development & Test (SD&T) team. This position is located at our Poway, CA location supporting aircraft test and evaluation engineering activities on novel and innovative General Atomics systems.
This SD&T engineer will be an integral part of the development team and will share responsibility for overseeing testing of new aircraft payloads and system capabilities.
The candidate will also be expected to contribute to Mission Systems, Weapon System, Vehicle Autonomy and Flight Sciences test events.
This position is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment with hands-on access to our industry-leading Unmanned platforms.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities and determine/develop various approaches to achieve T&E goals and help guide the completion of test activities.
Act as primary test engineer during test operations. Test duties include system level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on test asset coordination, generating test documentation, conducting and directing System Integration Lab (SIL), ground, and flight test, and providing ground and flight crew direction/leadership during tests events.
Support test plan working groups, technical reviews, and safety reviews with internal and external customers.
Work side by side with systems/project/software engineering on all associated documentation.
Communicate clearly in writing and verbally during all phases of flight test programs to include test plans, ground and flight test procedures/cards, test observations, and issues and test reports.
Support engineering staff to identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and aid in developing solutions to test and integration issues found during all phases of test utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
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 ID#:
52909BR
Job Category:
Engineering
Travel Percentage Required:
0% - 25%
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time Salary
State:
California
Clearance Level:
Secret
Pay Range Low:
68,770
City:
Poway
Clearance Required?:
Desired
Pay Range High:
116,193
Recruitment Posting Title:
System Development and Test Engineer
Job Qualifications:
Typically requires a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a Bachelor of Science degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
Prior experience in a Test & Integration role for manned and /or unmanned aircraft platforms is highly desired.
Previous flight or software test engineer with a qualification to perform tests for a military organization including prior Department of Defense (DOD) Development Test (DT) or Operational Test (OT) experience is highly desired.
Experience as a test conductor, test director, flight test engineer, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined Test Force (CTF) or Integrated Test Team (ITT) is desired.
Must have a general understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Must be able to perform complex tasks in multiple engineering areas.
Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
Good communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Must be able to work extended hours as required.
An EIT (Engineer in Training) certificate is desirable.
Knowledge of the National Airspace System and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operating rules and regulations is desired.
Ability to work extended hours as required.
Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance is required.
25% travel is required.
RECENT FLIGHT TEST DEMONSTRATION EVENTS
In a first, F-22 pilot controls wingman drone from cockpit (https://breakingdefense.com/2025/11/in-a-first-f-22-pilot-controls-wingman-drone-from-cockpit-general-atomics-says/)
GA-ASI Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Collaborate on Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming Flight Test
GA-ASI Flies Government Reference Autonomy Stack at Orange Flag 25-1 (https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-flies-government-reference-autonomy-stack-at-orange-flag-25-1)
GA-ASI and US Navy Fly MQ-20 Avenger Using MD-5 GCS To Perform Commanded Autonomy Maneuvers
GA-ASI and BAE Systems Collaborate on Autonomous Electronic Warfare Link 16 Capabilities on MQ-20 Avenger (https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-and-bae-systems-collaborate-on-autonomous-electronic-warfare-link-16-capabilities-on-mq-20-avenger)
GA-ASI Demonstrates Release of Advanced Air-Launched Effects from MQ-20 Avenger UAS
GA-ASI Uses Autonomy to Close Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, and Assess Engagement Chain (https://www.ga.com/ga-asi-uses-autonomy-to-close-f2t2ea-engagement-chain)
US Citizenship Required?:
Yes
Experience Level:
Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Relocation Assistance Provided?:
Yes
Workstyle:
Onsite
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC's "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.
