Project Engineer, MQ-9 COMMS & Networks

About the position

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. This position supports all MQ-9 UAS customers to supply advance networking and communications capabilities across the board, such as Remote Split Operations (RSO) supported by the Remote Operations Network (RONET) product and jam resistant data links using Proliferated Low Earth Orbiting (PLEO) Satellites. With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude for initiating and developing designs, procedures, techniques and solution to resolving advanced technical engineering problems. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of broad specifications, objectives, possible results anticipated and critical reference points requiring special attention. Guides the successful resolution of engineering problems, serves as a consulting resource of engineering knowledge, applies the latest technological advancements to the problem, and may function in a project leadership role.

Responsibilities

  • Develops innovative but practical solutions to advanced technical problems in engineering.
  • Provides focal point for technical communication within the Company management and may represent the Company as the prime technical contact to customers and/or government regulatory agencies.
  • Presents report(s) at engineering meetings, participates in program reviews and consults on problems.
  • Provides expert guidance and consulting to other staff members working on difficult engineering problems.
  • Anticipates future engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish a technical goal.
  • Addresses complex and difficult technical issues requiring novel and highly creative approaches drawing on advanced engineering concepts.
  • May assume technical and engineering responsibility of the success of an identifiable project.
  • Directs activities of design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
  • Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • 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.
  • Supports the development of project plans, including Integrated Master Schedules (ISM), Bills of Material (BOM) and Basis of Estimation (BOE) for labor hours and deliverables to be included in a proposal response.
  • Leads integration and flight test activities for a range of advanced networking and communications capabilities into unmanned aircraft and related systems.
  • Full lifecycle program execution from concept through airworthiness testing, certification, and fielding for Remote Split Operations and other communications and networking projects.

Requirements

  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's 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.
  • Demonstrates an extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance is required.

Nice-to-haves

  • A Professional Engineering License.
  • Original work(s) published in professional engineering journals.
  • Invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium.
  • Microsoft Project.
  • Local and Wide Area Data Networking, Telecommunications and or RF/Satellite Communications systems.
  • Integrating capabilities such as EO/IR, EW, Tactical Datalinks, and IFF systems.
  • Cyber Security and Government Test Authorization Approval.
  • Cisco Certifications, such as CCNA, CCIE, CCNP, CCDE or equivalent.
  • Familiarity with Government Engineering Change Proposal (CR/CN) Process.
  • Development of project plans, including Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), Bills of Materials (BOM) and Basis of Estimations (BOE) for labor hours and deliverables to be included in a proposal response.
  • Product Lifecycle Management tools (such as Windchill or Jama).

Benefits

  • 401(k) (with company match)
  • Company pension
  • On site cafeterias
  • Gyms and outdoor recreation centers
  • Employee Recreation Association (ERA) which gives unlimited access to discounted tickets for amusement parks such as San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
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