General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Engineer VI

Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Engineering or a related field with 7-12 years of relevant experience; equivalent experience may substitute education.
  • Extensive experience in developing space-based systems and payloads.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering projects through formal verification and validation.
  • Strong organizational skills to effectively plan and coordinate program milestones.
  • Adaptability to quickly grasp new concepts in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for customer interaction and cross-team collaboration.
  • Proficiency in digital engineering tools like Cameo, DOORS, Confluence, Teams, and JIRA.

Responsibilities

  • Lead systems engineering initiatives for complex space systems and payloads.
  • Develop and manage essential systems engineering documentation and artifacts.
  • Utilize SysML tools and MBSE methodologies to capture and decompose system requirements.
  • Mentor junior engineers while providing technical leadership to product teams.
  • Facilitate AI&T planning and execution for space systems, collaborating closely with AI&T leads.
  • Participate in test activities, including requirements verification and test readiness reviews.
  • Collaborate across teams to generate technical documentation for programs and proposals.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment supporting professional development.
  • Opportunities to work on advanced space systems and defense technologies.
  • Flexible work schedule and the potential for extended hours when needed.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our team located in San Diego, CA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Systems Engineering (SE) Leadership
  • Lead systems engineering activities for complex defense systems, with an emphasis on space systems and payloads.
  • Develop and manage systems engineering artifacts, including requirements, interface control documents, test plans/procedures, and configuration baselines.
  • Use SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw) and MBSE methods to:
    • Capture and decompose system, subsystem, and lower-level requirements.
    • Develop and maintain system models
    • Support design trades and system behavior/performance characterization
  • Provide technical guidance to systems engineering staff and integrated product teams; mentor and support the development of junior systems engineers.
  • Serve as a key technical contributor and present technical content at internal and customer reviews.
Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Support
  • Support AI&T planning and execution for space systems and other complex platforms, working closely with dedicated AI&T leads.
  • Contribute to the development and review of AI&T plans and procedures, ensuring alignment with system requirements and verification/validation objectives.
  • Participate in test activities as a systems engineer, including requirements verification, test readiness reviews, and anomaly documentation and resolution.
  • Help ensure consistency between system models, requirements, and test artifacts in a model-based systems engineering environment.
Space Systems and Payload Experience
  • Apply experience with space-based systems and payloads to inform architecture, requirements, and design decisions across multiple programs.
  • Support the design and integration of space payloads into broader system architectures, including interfaces, performance, and mission operations.
  • Contribute space domain expertise while remaining flexible to support other defense systems as program needs evolve.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with program management, engineering disciplines, and other functional teams on design, integration, and test activities.
  • Participate in and present at program design and readiness reviews throughout the lifecycle.
  • Interface with customers to understand needs and communicate technical status.
  • Generate technical documentation and presentations that will be used by other engineering disciplines to support programs, proposals, and internal development opportunities.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies; work safely in accordance with established procedures.
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 bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Significant experience developing space-based systems and space payloads.
  • Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, including systems that undergo formal verification and validation.
  • Strong foundation in engineering principles and practices, with the ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate work to meet program milestones.
  • Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with experience interfacing with customers and cross-functional.
  • Experience with digital engineering and collaboration tools used in space system development such as Cameo, DOORS, Confluence, Teams, and JIRA.
  • Understanding of the systems engineering "V" model and how key milestones drive AI&T planning and decisions.
  • Experience developing or reviewing AI&T plans, procedures, and test reports.
  • A strong understanding of configuration management and change control.
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively, and to work extended hours when required.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
  • Prior experience serving as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead or similar technical leadership role.
  • Experience with space payload development, including hands-on integration experience with space-qualified hardware and test activities.
  • Experience applying NASA GSFC-STD-7000B, SMC-S-016, or other relevant space industry standards.
  • Experience leading development of an MBSE model used as the primary systems engineering deliverable, with milestone reviews conducted directly from the model rather than traditional slide decks or documents.
  • Experience support the transition of a system from initial prototype demonstration to an established product line.
  • Experience working on TS/SCI programs supporting contract facility and process requirements.
  • Professional recognition such as:
    • A Professional Engineering (PE) license
    • Publication of original work in engineering journals
    • Presentations of original works at an engineering conference or symposium.
  • Previous experience working with the Department of Defense or other major space customers.

About General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a leading designer and manufacturer of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities. The company is headquartered in Poway, California, and has additional offices and facilities around the world.
Learn more about General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc
Size
14,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1955

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