Job Abstract

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 career opportunity for an Electrical Engineer Systems Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead working in our Unmanned Aircraft Systems group. Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for overseeing the definition, design, and prototype/initial production of one or more electrical sub-systems for a GA-ASI unmanned air vehicle. Subsystems may include Electrical Power, Vehicle Management, Mission Systems, Weapons Systems and more. A successful candidate will be a highly technical engineer in the field of aircraft electrical system design and will also have strong project management skills. This position carries significant responsibility for the successful execution of a program. This position acts as the “face” of the Electrical Engineering department to the program team and customer for a given effort.
Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and reviewed largely at completion. Initiates the planning of engineering projects and develops innovative designs or modifications to meet project goals. Independently performs difficult/complex engineering work with instructions as to the general expected results. Oversees project budget and actively manages the development schedule for the assigned electrical subsystem(s). Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff and makes frequent technical presentations. Coordinates segments of a specific project and has frequent inter-organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues. Provides direction to design or technical staff and may provide direction to less experienced professional staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Expertise and Leadership

• Provides technical leadership and ownership of one or more electrical sub-system.
• Ensures the technical design meets customer requirements and project objectives.
• Develops innovative but practical solutions for advanced technical systems, including electrical power systems, vehicle management/flight control systems, mission subsystems, weapons subsystems, etc.
• Architects electrical systems, evaluates electrical circuits and their operation at a system level, develops aircraft power budgets, evaluates equipment for compliance to GA-ASI and industry requirements, etc.
• Provides technical direction to internal functional engineering disciplines and vendors.
• Routinely functions in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program.
• Represents the organization as a prime technical contact within the engineering team for assigned project(s)/program(s).
• Addresses technical issues requiring novel and creative approaches drawing on fundamental engineering concepts.

Technical Coordination and Communication

• Coordinates with cross-functional design engineers from various technical disciplines (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Flight Tech, etc.…) to solve relevant design issues.
• Acts as technical representative for customer and management meetings by presenting technical content at design reviews (e.g. SRRs, PDRs, CDRs, etc.).
• Works with program managers to provide technical coordination of vendors and suppliers by ensuring SOWs and technical specifications are written and correct.
• Coordinates meetings and technical reviews with responsible design engineers and subcontractors.
• Creates and presents reports and technical briefs that clearly communicate complex technical concepts during engineering meetings and program reviews with other GA-ASI personnel and/or customers.

Project Management

• Responsible for management of electrical system LRU/subsystem development and testing activities of both in-house and subcontractor designed avionics equipment.
• Ensures the electrical subsystems, including their components, are designed, analyzed, tested and built to meet the program schedule.
• Defines status milestones and due dates to keep development on track and ensure management awareness of task summaries, schedule status, budget status, and technical issues as needed.
• Ensures the necessary design review processes are followed and the proper design control documentation is developed and maintained.

Other

• Participates in the development of new or expansion of existing business opportunities.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

• 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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

Technical Expertise and Leadership

• Must have a complete understanding of electrical engineering concepts, such as power, grounding, analog/digital circuitry, databus architectures, etc., experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts and the ability to expand knowledge of related concepts, theory and practices.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment, organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases, and, determine the appropriate approach at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must be able to approach problems via core engineering principles and by examining, understanding, and thoroughly explaining complex technical concepts to engineers and other professional staff.
• Must be able to develop new analyses, processes, and documents that allow other engineers to approach similar problems more efficiently in the future.
• Specific background developing hardware and/or subsystems for military applications is desired.
• Experience with schematic capture, printed circuit board layout, thermal analysis and/or cable harness design for airborne environments is desirable.
• Familiarity with GA-ASI products (components and systems) is highly desired.
• Experience with FAA Regulations, NATO Standards, Military Specifications, and other aerospace industry standards is desired.
• Experience with aircraft electrical systems is desired.

Technical Coordination and Communication

• Must possess the ability to quickly build rapport and collaborate with many different disciplines and different types of people and teams, both internal and external to the organization.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to develop clear, concise and technically accurate presentations.

Project Management
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• Must possess the ability to plan a technical effort including defining cost, schedule, risks and opportunities.
• Must possess the ability to manage active projects, including communicating project status, risks, help needed, etc. to the Engineering and Project leadership teams.
• Experience working as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) and an understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) is desired.

Other

• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Aircraft pilot experience is desired but not required.
• Able to travel to flight test facilities in Southern California, Arizona, and other locations as required.