General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Integration and Test Lead Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc • $110K — $130K *
Huntsville, AL 35810In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; advanced degrees preferred
  • 12+ years of engineering experience, with hands-on systems and electronics testing expertise
  • Proficient in laboratory instrumentation: oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and data acquisition systems
  • Strong knowledge of military standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) to guide testing
  • Proven leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams within missile or projectile systems testing
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for technical documentation and cross-functional collaboration
  • Active DoD Secret clearance, with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee a test team for various missile subsystems including GNC and power systems
  • Develop and execute complex test plans and architectures tailored for missile testing
  • Synthesize customer requirements into actionable test solutions considering technical constraints
  • Conduct functional and environmental tests while documenting results for compliance
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve technical challenges during testing
  • Ensure adherence to test standards and procedures while mentoring junior engineers
  • Support program management with technical reviews, documentation, and oversight of subcontractors.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Retirement savings plans with company contributions
  • Flexible working hours to balance personal and professional commitments
  • Support for relocation or travel-related expenses as needed
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Integration and Test Lead Engineer to provide technical leadership for laboratory and electronics testing of missile and projectile weapon system subsystems. This role will lead multidisciplinary test teams, develop and execute complex test architectures, and ensure rigorous verification and validation of electronic and electromechanical hardware in benchtop, lab-level, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), and system-level environments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership & Test Architecture
  • Provide technical guidance and oversight to a multidisciplinary test team focused on:
    • Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) electronics
    • Power systems
    • Fuzing and safe/arm devices
    • Telemetry and related subsystems
  • Manage issues of compatibility, interfaces, functionality, and system operability for electronic and electromechanical hardware in laboratory and HWIL environments.
  • Synthesize customer contractual needs and requirements into comprehensive system and subsystem test solutions that account for technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
  • Lead the development, modification, and execution of complex:
    • Test plans
    • Test architectures
    • Integration flows
    • Detailed test procedures
      for benchtop, lab-level, and system-level testing of missile and projectile weapon system components.
Test Planning, Execution & Reporting
  • Interface with Systems Engineering to review the Requirements Verification and Traceability Matrix (RVTM) and individual requirements, ensuring proper allocation into test plans, procedures, and verification methods.
  • Lead the execution of functional, performance, and environmental tests (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal, EMI/EMC as applicable).
  • Document test results and prepare formal test reports in accordance with program and customer requirements.
  • Lead efforts for inspection, verification, and validation of assigned systems, subsystems, and electronic assemblies associated with missile and projectile weapon systems.
  • Provide direction for integrated testing activities, including:
    • Hardware-in-the-loop testing
    • Closed-loop simulations
    • System-level integration tests
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Issue Resolution
  • Collaborate with systems, electrical, mechanical, software, and safety engineering to resolve complex technical issues identified during testing, including issues related to energetics, fuzing, and safe/arm devices.
  • Facilitate rapid resolution of technical issues impacting test activities, including real-time communication and coordination with other integrated product teams (IPTs) and external stakeholders.
  • Support technical interchange meetings for test activities, acting as a primary technical interface with:
    • Chief Engineer
    • Program management
    • Other IPT leads
    • Government customers
    • Company leadership/management
    • Test laboratories and test ranges
Standards, Processes & Documentation
  • Provide leadership in the development and updating of test standards, laboratory practices, and operating procedures specific to missile and projectile weapon system testing.
  • Guide the identification, communication, and documentation of test objectives, and support development of:
    • Test procedures
    • Integration processes
    • Work instructions
      for missile and projectile weapon system hardware.
  • Assist in the planning, development, and execution of major program technical reviews from a test and verification perspective, including:
    • System Requirements Review (SRR)
    • Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
    • Critical Design Review (CDR)
  • Lead the planning, development, and execution of Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) for laboratory, HWIL, and system-level tests.
  • Support the program manager in the development of statements of work (SOWs) and technical requirements documents for test-related subcontractors and suppliers.
  • Provide technical oversight to subcontractors performing test and evaluation activities on missile and projectile weapon system components.
  • Support the development, review, and editing of technical documents, test procedures, and proposals.
Leadership, Compliance & Safety
  • Provide leadership, direction, and mentoring to less experienced test engineers and technicians.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive and classified information.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the company.
  • Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices, including adherence to explosives safety and range safety requirements as applicable.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
  • Complete and detailed understanding of systems and electronics test concepts, theory, and operations, with demonstrated application in a laboratory environment for missile and/or projectile weapon systems or other complex defense systems.
  • Demonstrated experience planning, conducting, and documenting tests of electronic and electromechanical systems, including use of common laboratory instrumentation such as:
    • Oscilloscopes
    • Spectrum analyzers
    • Logic analyzers
    • Power supplies
    • Data acquisition systems
  • Familiarity with relevant military standards and test requirements (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and applicable weapon system specifications) is desired.
  • Demonstrated experience leading an organization or team in the testing and verification of missile, projectile, or other complex weapon systems.
  • Proven performance in establishing and operating a test laboratory or test facility and in developing a team to support test activities for weapon systems.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop solutions to a variety of highly complex and diverse problems.
  • Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to accurately document and report findings to a variety of audiences, including senior internal and external representatives.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to influence and guide other employees and managers.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in coordinating and working on large cross-functional teams and interacting with technical customers and senior technical managers.
  • Ability to:
    • Develop and communicate new concepts
    • Apply them accurately in an evolving environment
    • Organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases
    • Determine appropriate approaches at the task and project level to provide solutions to complex problems
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to work extended hours and travel as required, including travel to test ranges and external laboratories.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance with the ability to upgrade to Top Secret.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with development and testing of missile or projectile subsystems such as:
    • Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)
    • Power electronics
    • Fuzing and safe/arm devices
    • Telemetry
    • Actuation systems
  • Experience or familiarity with RCC 319 requirements, tailoring, and associated test activities.
  • Experience with development and testing of energetic devices and ordnance-related components.
  • Experience authoring, updating, and coordinating Operational Requirements Documents (ORDs) or equivalent requirements documents for test ranges or test campaigns.
  • Hands-on experience translating test objectives and concepts of operations (CONOPS) into clear, testable operational requirements and performance metrics.
  • Proven ability to work directly with DoD range stakeholders (e.g., range control, safety, instrumentation, spectrum management) to refine and validate operational requirements.
  • Familiarity with range capabilities and constraints, including:
    • Airspace/sea space management
    • Flight/test safety
    • Telemetry and tracking
    • Communications and data collection
Work Environment & Travel
  • On-site work in a secure facility is required.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required, including to test ranges and external laboratories.
  • Extended hours may be necessary to support test operations and program milestones.

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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