Podded Payload Engineer

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

(GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable, remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA a growing center of excellence in San Diego, CA – where innovation meets mission impact.

We bring together high-performing technical experts and future leaders to develop, integrate, and field cutting-edge mission systems that meet the evolving needs of warfighters and decision-makers.

You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team to drive strategic objectives, develop customer-facing relationships, and architect solutions that bring complex systems of systems together—delivering real-world mission outcomes.

The Payload Integration group addresses challenging problems by developing, integrating, fielding, supporting, and advancing mature technologies into payload solutions for GA-ASI platforms.

Current payloads include Multi-Mode Radars, EO/IR systems, Advanced IRST, Electronic Warfare systems, Countermeasures, and Signal Intelligence sensors to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

We’re seeking a Project Engineer to lead and shape the technical roadmap for our portfolio of industry-leading radar technologies.

These advanced radar payloads support critical missions including airborne surveillance, maritime domain awareness, UAS detection and collaboration, and other emerging capabilities.

As Project Engineer, you’ll play a key role in both sustaining current products and driving the development of next-generation modes, applications, and solutions.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in the operational use, design, and manufacturing of radar or RF systems.

This role requires technical leadership across hardware integration, software development, communication systems, data dissemination, and rigorous testing—all in support of a growing customer base and an expanding capability set.

**Duties & Responsibilities:**

+ Demonstrated ability to develop expertise and become the subject matter expert and technological champion in the relevant capabilities
+ Understanding of change management and manufacturing principles to maintain a product portfolio
+ Transitions high TRL demonstrated payloads into mature payload solutions for long-term mission capabilities across GA-ASI platforms
+ Mature prototype level payloads through manufacturable Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) with the ability to scale to high-rate production
+ Leads diverse multi-function engineering teams, meeting critical program milestones, and successfully executing programs within the defined cost and schedule.
+ Represents programs as the face of engineering ensure consistent and appropriate messaging to internal and external stakeholders.
+ Supports engineering estimates and proposals during business development and shaping activities.
+ Develops program plans, estimates, schedules and execute programs to ensure programmatic and technical success.
+ Perform system analysis, trade studies, author technical white papers, and generate customer technical data packages.
+ Complete, document, and present System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
+ Represent company at technical reviews, customer meetings and system level integrations
+ Supports mission architecture implementations and designs.
+ Supports payload compatibility and enhancement for initiatives such as Open Architectures (OMS, FACE, CESMO, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, fusion, track management, and other interoperability capabilities.
+ Supports the development of test plans and manage the integration, verification and validation new capabilities and technologies.
+ Supports development of business/strategic objectives and system concept-of-operations

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

50105
**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; 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.
+ Proven technical expertise in radar or RF systems, with experience leading cross-functional engineering efforts.
+ Prior experience in project engineering, systems integration, and technical execution of complex hardware/software products.
+ Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to engage across technical teams, leadership, and customers.
+ Experience in multi-disciplinary integration (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software, RF, Networking, Cybersecurity).
+ Familiarity with UAS platforms (e.g., MQ-9, MQ-1, Avenger) and their interfaces is preferred.
+ Preferred Qualifications
+ Experience with one or more of the following:
+ Multi-Mode Radars, EO/IR Systems, IRST, EW Systems, Countermeasures, Tactical Datalinks, Open Standards (OMS, FACE, STANAG), Modeling & Simulation.
+ Background in product management, proposal development, and DoD acquisition processes.
+ Active DoD Security Clearance required; TS/SCI eligibility desired.
+ Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance required.
+ Ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance is highly desired.

**Salary:** $105,890 - $189,545 **Travel Percentage Required** 0 - 25 **Relocation Assistance Provided** Not Provided **US Citizenship Required?** Yes **Clearance Required?** Desired **Clearance Level** Senior (8+ years) **Workstyle** Hybrid
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.

EEO is the law.

We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws.

To learn more visit https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/499/v2_0/EEO Notices.pdf.

U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.

Required Skill Profession

Other General