System Development and Test Engineer

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 for an experienced System Development & Test (SD&T) Engineer for our MQ-9A SD&T Team. This position is located at our Poway, CA location supporting test and evaluation engineering activities on novel and innovative General Atomics systems.

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 under minimal supervision 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, resource allocation, generating test documentation, conducting and directing SIL, ground, and flight test, and providing ground and flight crew direction/leadership during tests events.
• Coordinate test events with engineering labs and flight ops facilities.
• Support test plan working groups, technical reviews, and safety reviews acting as a primary contact with internal customers and representing the organization with 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.
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and develop 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.

• 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; four or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or two or more years of experience with a master’s degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Prior experience in 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, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined Test Team (CTT) or Integrated Test Force (ITF) is desired.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an 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 a range of complex problems.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Must be able to perform complex tasks in multiple engineering areas.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks. Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance is required.
• 25% travel is required.