General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Engineer VIII

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc • $130K — $160K *
Poway, CA 92064In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
15+ years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in engineering or related field, with 13-18+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong technical leadership in complex airframe/structural systems.
  • Hands-on experience with composite structures in design, stress, materials & processes, and manufacturing.
  • Proven capability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects and influence key technical decisions.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with comfort in engaging senior stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Project and Excel; knowledge of PLM/CAD tools is advantageous.
  • Eligible for a DoD Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead advanced airframe product development from concept through flight demonstration.
  • Define and manage system requirements and performance measures for airframe projects.
  • Make strategic recommendations on design trades affecting program outcomes.
  • Oversee structural design, materials, and testing for certification and manufacturability.
  • Integrate new structural concepts into operational systems to enhance performance.
  • Coordinate technical strategies with airframe structure suppliers and optimize for manufacturing.
  • Drive teamwork across disciplines to achieve project objectives and timelines.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and benefits.
  • High visibility and impact on developing next-generation UAS architectures.
  • Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and leadership.
  • A collaborative and inclusive company culture with a hybrid work environment.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We are seeking a highly accomplished Advanced Airframe Project Engineer to serve as a senior technical leader within our Advanced Aircraft Engineering (AAE) organization. In this role, you will be a recognized authority for advanced airframe and structural architectures, guiding solutions from early requirements and concept development through detailed design, integration, test, and flight demonstration. You will shape the technical direction of next-generation unmanned aircraft structures while leading cross-functional efforts and mentoring other engineers.

Opportunity
  • Serve as a companywide technical leader and subject matter expert in advanced airframe and structural systems.
  • Influence multi year product and technology roadmaps for next generation unmanned aircraft.
  • Lead complex, high visibility efforts that span multiple programs, disciplines, and suppliers.
  • Mentor and develop engineering talent while collaborating closely with senior technical and business leadership.
  • Make an enduring impact on GA-ASI's unmanned aerial systems portfolio and competitive position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Airframe Product Development & Project Leadership
  • Act as the principal technical authority for complex airframe/structures subsystem projects, from concept through flight demonstration.
  • Define and manage system and subsystem requirements, internal statements of work, and technical performance measures for advanced airframe development.
  • Drive conceptual and preliminary design trades (weight, cost, manufacturability, survivability, maintainability) and make recommendations that have long term impact on program and product strategy.
  • Provide senior technical oversight and review of structural design, loads, stress, materials & processes, and test activities to ensure robust, certifiable, and producible solutions.
  • Champion the development and integration of new structural concepts, materials, and processes into operational systems.

Supplier and Manufacturing Coordination
  • Own the technical strategy and content for airframe structure suppliers, including statements of work, technical data packages, design standards, and acceptance criteria.
  • Champion design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) and ensure structural concepts are optimized for rate production, cost, and quality.
  • Oversee the transition of advanced designs to manufacturing, resolving complex build and integration issues and driving continuous improvement with internal and external partners.
  • Coordinate closely with Manufacturing, Tooling, Quality, Supply Chain, Systems, and Flight Test to ensure integrated solutions that meet performance, schedule, and cost objectives.

Team and Project Management
  • Build and lead cross disciplinary teams (Aerostructures Design, Loads, Analysis, M&P, Survivability, Manufacturing, Tooling, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Flight Test, Program Management) to achieve project and program objectives.
  • Develop and execute tactical plans aligned with program schedules, budgets, and multi year technical roadmaps for advanced airframe technologies.
  • Proactively manage project scope, technical risk, and cross program structural challenges; advise program leadership on structural risk, opportunity, and trade space.
  • Mentor and develop engineers across design, analysis, and manufacturing disciplines; promote best practices, knowledge sharing, and technical rigor in advanced airframe development.
  • Participate in the planning, attraction, and retention of key technical talent within the airframe structures domain.

Communication and Documentation
  • Interact with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and customers, to resolve technical issues and influence program direction.
  • Prepare and deliver high quality technical presentations, design reviews, and documentation for critical internal and customer milestones.
  • Represent GA-ASI as a recognized technical authority in advanced airframe development, including participation in customer forums, industry working groups, and technical reviews as appropriate.
  • Contribute to the definition of long term technical objectives and roadmaps for designated airframe systems and related technologies.

What We Offer
  • Competitive compensation and benefits.
  • High visibility and influence on next generation UAS architectures.
  • Professional development, mentoring, and leadership opportunities.
  • Collaborative, inclusive culture and hybrid work environment.

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; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership on complex aircraft airframe/structural systems.
  • Hands on experience with composite structures (design, stress, M&P, and/or manufacturing).
  • Proven ability to lead multi discipline engineering efforts and make high impact technical decisions.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with senior customers and leadership.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Project and Excel; experience with PLM/CAD/analysis tools is a plus.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance required.

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
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
1955
* Ladders Estimates

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