Technical Director

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 a Technical Director to join our Agile Mission Systems team in Poway, CA.

With limited management consultation, this position, serving as a recognized authority in one or more engineering fields, conceptualizes and articulates innovative resolutions to highly technical and complex engineering problems. Functioning in an advisory or leadership role, directs the planning and oversight of the successful implementation of those resolution. The Technical Director's skill set will ensure the world-class AMS team continues to guide the company and our customer base into the future by advocating for high levels of resiliency and robustness in our systems so that GA-ASI is a viable company for decades to come. Represents the company nationally through technical presentations and papers as an expert, consultant, and champion of specialized engineering knowledge and is a presence in attracting and retaining engineering business and professional staff. Anticipates and reports on future engineering challenges that will directly impact the present and future engineering objectives of the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceptualize and articulate innovative solutions to the highest technical and complex engineering/scientific problems to accomplish long-range objectives.
• Develop missions for GA-ASI current and future aircraft that are relevant in today's environment.
• Consult with top corporate and business management on long-range company planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancements.
• Anticipate and report on future technical challenges that will directly impact current and future business objectives for the organization.
• Function in an advisory or leadership role for successful implementation of technical solutions including strategic objectives, timetables, and the allocation of resources to achieve objectives.
• Effectively counsel, mentor and transfer specialized technical engineering/scientific knowledge of the highest level and complexity to junior scientific and technical staff.
• Act as the primary spokesperson on the company's technical capabilities and future direction and is often instrumental in attracting and attaining major new company business.
• Oversee the development of and ensure the security of the unit's proprietary technology and maintain 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.
• Provides leadership, direction and guidance for research into the solution of engineering problems.
• Advises or directs the planning for the implementation of engineering solutions, including strategic objectives and timetables.
• Prepares status/progress reports and ensure compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Interacts with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.

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; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must be a nationally recognized expert in one or more engineering fields as demonstrated by:
  • Original work(s) published in national professional engineering journals
  • Invited presentations to national engineering symposiums
  • Participation as Chair on national engineering review panels
  • Engineering patents held.
• Has demonstrated leadership ability by directing/developing the solution(s) to highly technical and complex engineering problems, and has been a key participant in attracting and retaining engineering business as well as professional staff.
• Must possess the ability to guide the resolution of unusually complex technical problems.
• Champion the development of new concepts and principles.
• Serve as an expert spokesperson on those concepts and principles.
• Must also possess excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, be customer focused, and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• A Professional Engineering License is desirable.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Holding an active TS/SCI clearance is desired.
• U.S. Citizenship required.