Chief Engineer

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.

With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solution to advanced technical engineering problem (s). May function in an advisory or project leadership role providing direction to experienced professional staff. Formulates plans, typically long term, for solution(s) development, documentation, and deployment, as well as meeting various compliance, reporting, and safety standards. Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates completed. Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle, represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects, interacts with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations, and participates in the development of new or expansion of existing business.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Determines technical objectives for solution(s) to advanced technical engineering problems.
• Represents the organization as a prime technical contact within and engineering team for assigned project(s)/program(s).
• Lead the technical planning and execution necessary to configure the Dornier Do-228 and King Air aircraft as surrogate platforms for MQ-9B operations. Payloads may include (but are not limited to) sensor pods, EO/IR, radar, communications systems, GPS, antennas, and associated power systems.
• Serve as the primary engineering interface between Flight Operations and MQ-9B Engineering/Flight Technology teams.
• May function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff.
• Formulates plans and guides the development and implementation of engineering solution(s) including deployment, resource requirements, testing, documentation, integration and compliance and safety.
• Oversee and coordinate systems integration efforts, including avionics, payloads, communications, and instrumentation relevant to surrogate flight testing.
• Ensure all aircraft modifications and configurations meet internal engineering standards, FAA regulations, and applicable safety and airworthiness requirements.
• Plans and coordinates the maintenance of engineering solutions including, documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical and other presentations to ensure viability of the solution(s) in an evolving environment.
• Provide technical leadership during flight test preparation, execution, and post-mission analysis.
• Collaborate closely with Mission Commanders, Test Pilots, Maintenance personnel, and Program Engineering to ensure operational effectiveness aligns with program goals.
• Support risk assessments, flight readiness reviews, and airworthiness evaluations for modified aircraft.
• Represent Flight Operations in cross-functional engineering meetings and design reviews.
• Plans for future applications of solutions based on new developments in engineering technology.
• Participates in or may lead the development of new or expansion of existing business opportunities.
• 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.

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; 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.
• Demonstrates a detailed and 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.
• Direct, hands-on experience with the MQ-9B platform, ideally in a systems integration, test, or engineering support role.
• Familiarity with surrogate aircraft operations, manned-unmanned teaming, or ISR mission systems is highly desirable.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals; the capability of representing the organization as a prime technical contact; and, the ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self- initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to operate independently and manage multiple priorities in a flight operations environment.
• A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium, and invited and/or participated on an engineering review panel are desirable.