Engineer V

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Flight Test Engineer / Systems Test Engineer in our Advanced Programs Systems Development & Test Team (SD&T) Team. This position is located at our Poway, CA location supporting aircraft test and evaluation engineering activities on novel and innovative General Atomics systems.

This SD&T engineer will be an integral part of the development team and will share responsibility for overseeing testing of a new product.

The candidate will also be expected to contribute to Weapon System, Mission Systems, Vehicle Management Systems (VMS), and Flight Sciences test events.

This position is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment with hands-on access to our industry-leading Unmanned platforms.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities under minimal supervision and apply new concepts in an evolving environment to determine/develop various approaches to achieve T&E goals and help guide the completion of test activities.
• Support test plan working groups, technical reviews, and safety reviews acting as a primary contact with internal customers and representing the organization with external customers.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally during all phases of flight test programs to include test plans, ground and flight test procedures/cards, test observations and issues, and test reports.
• Act as primary test engineer during test operations. Test duties include system level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on resource allocation, conducting and directing SIL, ground and flight test, providing ground and flight crew direction/leadership during tests events, and participating in technical test reviews
• Initiate the planning of engineering projects and coordinate test events with engineering labs and flight ops facilities. Responsibilities include determining test configurations, test instrumentation, test assets, and coordination with test ranges
• Develop and maintain engineering schedules for programs tasks or subtasks and coordinate program work phases
• Participate with the engineering and program development team to develop and mature requirements and specifications, and participate in design reviews to ensure the design meets all requirements
• Identify programmatic issues and provide leadership in developing solutions. Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels concerning resolution of technical and scheduling issues. Act as prime contact for technical and program issues
• Identify, analyze, troubleshoot, and develop solutions to complex test and integration issues found during all phases of test utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally during all phases of flight test programs to include test plans, ground and flight test procedures/cards, test observations and issues, and test reports
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices

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; nine or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, seven or more years of experience with a master's degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Prior experience in a Test & Integration role for manned and/or unmanned aircraft platforms is highly desired.
• Experience with F-15 or similar fighter 4th or 5th gen fighter flight test is highly desired.
• Experience with air to air missile integration or test including weapons loading, lab testing, pit drop tests is highly desired.
• Familiarity with Test Planning processes including support of Test Plan Working Groups, Test Readiness Reviews, Safety Review Boards etc is highly desired.
• Experience with Symvionics IADS or similar tool for real time monitoring of aircraft during flight test is highly desired.
• Previous flight test engineer with a qualification to perform tests for a military organization including prior Department of Defense (DoD) Developmental Test (DT) or Operational Test (OT) experience is highly desired.
• Experience as a test conductor, test director, test pilot/navigator or participation in a Combined Test Team (CTT) or Integrated Test Force (ITF) is desired.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and an expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Must be able to perform complex tasks in multiple engineering areas.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance is required.
• 25% travel is required.