General Dynamics

Lead Aircraft Mission Systems Integration Specialist

General Dynamics$180K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Technology degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience with 10 years in relevance; or a Master's degree with 8 years of experience.
  • Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance required at time of hire.
  • U.S. citizenship is mandatory due to the nature of work.
  • Experience leading integration of airborne mission systems on specialized aircraft.
  • Knowledge of FAA STC, military airworthiness regulations, and defense integration standards.

Responsibilities

  • Lead aircraft mission systems integration from requirements through delivery and compliance.
  • Own and manage the integrated master schedule for all integration activities.
  • Coordinate technical activities with GDMS engineering teams and aircraft providers.
  • Develop technical baselines and integration plans for aircraft modifications.
  • Facilitate technical reviews and risk assessment efforts early in the process.
  • Provide oversight for airworthiness and certification activities across multiple regulatory frameworks.
  • Act as the main technical liaison among various stakeholders including contractors and government entities.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work options with occasional onsite requirements.
  • Periodic travel to customer and subcontractor locations expected.
  • Mentorship opportunities for integration engineers.
  • Work in a high-security environment contributing to national defense efforts.
  • Chance to lead complex and impactful aerospace projects.
Full Job Description
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's or Technology degree in Engineering or a related specialized area/field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience, plus 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus 8 years of experience.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance is required at time of 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

Role and Position Objectives

 

As the Lead Aircraft Mission Systems Integration Specialist for Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3), you will provide technical leadership for the integration of airborne mission equipment onto a specialized commercial derivative aircraft platform supporting our nation's strategic deterrence mission.

 

You will lead the aircraft integration workstream from requirements definition through installation, test, airworthiness compliance, and delivery. You will own the integrated master schedule for the workstream, coordinating planned integration and test activity with GDMS engineering teams and the aircraft provider while identifying dependencies, constraints, and recovery actions.

 

You will be a key technical interface among GDMS, aircraft modification partners, avionics and mission-system suppliers, certification organizations, government customers, program management, and business-development leadership. This role is suited to an experienced integration leader who can balance aircraft-platform constraints with mission needs, resolve cross-organizational issues, and communicate credible technical recommendations to program leadership and customers.

 

Measures of Success

  • Deliver an integrated aircraft mission systems schedule that aligns design, aircraft modification, test, certification, and fielding activities to committed technical and program milestones.
  • Maintain airworthiness, configuration, and safety integrity while coordinating technical decisions across GDMS, the aircraft provider, suppliers, modification centers, and government stakeholders.
  • Provide timely, decision-quality technical status, schedule forecasts, and risk recommendations that keep program management and business-development leadership aligned on the integration path forward.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end aircraft mission systems integration activities across airframe, avionics, payload, communications, and ground-support stakeholders.
  • Develop, maintain, and execute the integration workstream integrated master schedule; establish task logic, critical dependencies, test milestones, and risk-recovery actions in coordination with program management.
  • Coordinate systems integration laboratory (SIL), ground-test, flight-test, and aircraft-modification activities with GDMS engineering organizations and the aircraft provider; ensure technical readiness, configuration alignment, and resource availability for planned test events.
  • Develop and maintain aircraft integration plans, technical baselines, interface documentation, integration verification plans, and installation-readiness inputs.
  • Lead technical reviews, integration working groups, and risk-reduction efforts; identify and resolve technical, schedule, configuration, and supplier-interface risks early.
  • Provide technical leadership for airworthiness and certification activities, including FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) or military airworthiness-release processes, certification-basis support, compliance planning, and modification documentation.
  • Assess platform impacts of mission-equipment changes, including power, cooling, structural, electromagnetic compatibility, weight-and-balance, and operational considerations in partnership with discipline experts.
  • Manage technical interfaces among prime contractor, airframe OEM or modification center, avionics suppliers, mission-system suppliers, and government stakeholders.
  • Interface with program management and business-development leadership to communicate aircraft integration status, schedule impacts, technical risks, customer priorities, and proposal or follow-on planning considerations.
  • Support configuration control and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) evaluation; ensure changes are technically sound, traceable, and compatible with the program baseline.
  • Provide technical status, performance metrics, risk assessments, and recommendations to program leadership and government customers; mentor integration engineers and promote a disciplined culture of safety, accountability, mission focus, and technical excellence.

Critical Skillsets

  • Hands-on leadership integrating mission equipment payloads onto commercial derivative, business-jet, transport, or special-mission aircraft platforms.
  • Experience guiding FAA STC, Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), DER, Part 145, or military airworthiness-release activities for aircraft modifications.
  • Proven record directing multi-organization IPTs through integration, test, certification, fielding, and sustainment of airborne ISR, communications, or special-mission capabilities.
  • Experience with mission equipment payloads and airborne ISR, SIGINT, IMINT, COMINT, ELINT, MASINT, GEOINT, strategic communications, or related special-mission systems.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461/464, MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-1553, AR 70-62, AR 95-1, DCMA 8210.1, or comparable aerospace and defense integration standards.
  • Working knowledge of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), Open Mission Systems (OMS), or related government reference architectures.
  • Experience developing resource-loaded schedules, work breakdown structures, estimates, and integration plans that connect technical execution to program cost and schedule commitments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to present complex technical matters clearly to executives, customers, and engineering teams.

Workplace Options

This position is primarily hybrid with occasional work on-site at the Taunton, MA and Dedham, MA facilities. Periodic travel to customer, government, aircraft-modification, and subcontractor locations is expected. Flexibility for hybrid work may be available based on program needs and clearance requirements.

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 $180,955.00 - USD $200,746.00 /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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at General Dynamics

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Lead Aircraft Mission Systems Integration Specialist jobs: