General Dynamics

Experienced Unmanned Aviation Engineer

General Dynamics$142K — $158K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, or equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in aviation, UAS, or airborne mission systems.
  • Experience with ISR and OWA mission environments including EMI/RF considerations.
  • Hands-on understanding of payload systems architecture and system integration.
  • Established network within UAS operator or acquisition communities, with stakeholder engagement experience.
  • Must obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Provide expertise in ISR and OWA mission requirements, including environmental constraints.
  • Assess future evolution of UAS platforms, identifying technology gaps.
  • Leverage relationships within operational and acquisition communities for engagement and solution validation.
  • Translate unmet needs of operators into system-level problem statements for engineering.
  • Act as a payload systems architect defining capabilities and integration approaches.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers to ensure alignment of customer requirements.
  • Support capture activities and proposal efforts as a technical resource.

Benefits

  • Exciting career path with continuous learning opportunities.
  • Research-oriented work with award-winning teams developing solutions for national security.
  • Flexible schedules with options for every other Friday off (9/80 schedule).
  • Competitive benefits package including 401k matching and flex time off.
  • Healthcare benefits and health & wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

Responsibilities

  • Provide subject matter expertise in ISR and OWA mission requirements, including environmental constraints, EMI considerations, and operational integration challenges.
  • Assess and articulate the future evolution of UAS platforms and associated payload capabilities, identifying technology gaps and emerging requirements.
  • Leverage established relationships within the operational and acquisition communities to facilitate customer engagement, requirements elicitation, and solution validation.
  • Capture and communicate the pain points and unmet needs of platform operators and mission crews, translating them into system-level problem statements for engineering teams.
  • Serve as a payload systems architect, defining capability requirements, interface standards, and integration approaches across multi-domain payload configurations.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers and program managers to ensure customer requirements are reflected in program baselines and technical roadmaps.
  • Support capture activities, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) development, and proposal efforts as a technical resource.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
  • 8+ years of experience in aviation, UAS, or airborne mission systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with ISR and/or OWA mission environments, including knowledge of environmental and EMI/RF considerations.
  • Hands-on understanding of payload systems architecture: capabilities definition, interface standards, and system integration.
  • Established network within the UAS operator, program office, or requirements community, with demonstrated ability to engage key stakeholders.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior U.S. military service, particularly in aviation, ISR operations, or UAS operations.
  • Familiarity with current and emerging UAS programs of record and associated acquisition strategies.
  • Experience translating operational mission requirements into systems engineering artifacts (ConOps, ORDs, ICDs, etc.).
  • Active relationships with program offices, major commands, or FFRDC/UARC organizations relevant to UAS and ISR.
  • Recent operational experience (within the last 3–5 years) providing direct insight into current user pain points and capability gaps.

Why This Role

This position is ideal for a mid-career professional who is freshly transitioned from operational or program-side roles and remains closely connected to where the mission is heading. You'll have the opportunity to directly shape what GDMS builds next — not just respond to requirements, but help define them.

 

Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

 

Workplace Options:This position is fully onsite in Manassas, VA.

 

Salary NoteThis estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled. Combined Salary RangeUSD $142,696.00 - USD $158,303.00 /Yr.

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is involved in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems, armaments, and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technologies. General Dynamics has four main business segments. Aerospace designs, develops, manufacturers and services a comprehensive offering of advanced business-jet aircraft. Combat Systems specializes in producing, supporting and sustaining land and expeditionary combat systems for the U.S. military and its allies. Marine Systems designs, builds and supports submarines and a variety of surface ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers. The Information Systems and Technology group offers a breadth and depth of technology and service capabilities that support a wide range of government and commercial needs, including systems integration expertise; hardware and software products; and engineering, management and support services.

General Dynamics Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Dynamics, a leader in global defense, aerospace, and technology services. As a pivotal player in innovation and security, General Dynamics offers unparalleled job opportunities for professionals eager to advance their careers in a cutting-edge environment.

Work You’ll Do

At General Dynamics, we empower our employees to drive innovation and lead with integrity and excellence. With a commitment to professional growth and diversity, our team is at the forefront of developing solutions that make a difference in the world. Whether in engineering, cybersecurity, or project management, your work at General Dynamics will contribute to missions that matter.

Explore Career Paths

General Dynamics is not just a company; it's a community where you can build a career that aligns with your passion and skills. From internships to leadership positions, the breadth of opportunities supports your professional journey at every stage.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is the status quo. At General Dynamics, you’ll work alongside industry experts to solve complex challenges with cutting-edge technology. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where you can lead projects that explore new frontiers.

Professional Development

Invest in your future with General Dynamics’ robust professional development programs. Enhance your skills through targeted training, workshops, and seminars that propel your expertise and leadership capabilities forward.

Diversity and Inclusion

At General Dynamics, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Through diversity training and networking opportunities, we ensure every team member can contribute uniquely and significantly.

Benefits and Culture

Experience a culture that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. General Dynamics offers competitive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements, to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Our team-oriented culture encourages collaboration and mutual respect, making General Dynamics a great place to work.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at General Dynamics? Explore our current job opportunities and find a position that matches your skills and ambitions. We are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at General Dynamics by researching our company values and recent projects. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from General Dynamics: - **Career Growth Tips:** Gain insights from our professionals on advancing your career. - **Networking Events:** Connect with peers and leaders in your field through our networking events. - **Job Alerts:** Customize your job alerts to receive updates on new openings that fit your career preferences.

Explore General Dynamics Jobs

Discover the impact you can make at General Dynamics by joining our team. Search open positions, apply online, and take the first step towards a rewarding career filled with opportunities for growth and innovation.

SEARCH GENERAL DYNAMICS JOBS

Join General Dynamics today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await you in a career at General Dynamics.
Learn more about General Dynamics
Size
103,100 employees
Market Cap
$67.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1952
5 Year Trend
+4.7%
Revenue
$37.9 billion
NASDAQ

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