RF Datalinks Systems 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an RF Systems Engineer to join our RF Communications Datalink group. With limited direction, this position is responsible for technical and project leadership with initial focus on leading and coordinating system-level design for the customer datalink. Major areas include the overall datalink technical leadership, subcontractor technical management, and coordinating with the aircraft IPT team for the datalink design, integration, and flight test.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work as a team member in Datalink Engineering and participate in development of state-of-the-art Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) SATCOM datalink and Line-Of-Sight (LOS) datalink for GA-ASI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• Perform as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for company-wide RF and satellite communications projects.
• Function in a technical leadership role for external customers.
• Perform sub-contractor technical management to ensure technical requirements are satisfied.
• Apply technical knowledge to analyze, investigate, and resolve assigned engineering problems.
• Perform RF communications systems integration/testing with aircraft, satellite earth station and ground control stations (GCS) at GA's Flight Operations Facilities in Palmdale, CA.
• Support System Integration Lab (SIL) integration, aircraft level ground and flight test of satellite terminals and various aircraft components (such as modems, Vortex, IFF, TCAS, Radios).
• Work with other engineering disciplines on test plan, procedure, and report. Work with other GA-ASI organizations to assist or lead datalink flight tests.
• Work within a group of RF Datalink Engineers to support GA-ASI datalink roadmap and multiple datalink projects. Coordinate segments of a project and may have frequent inter-organization and/or customer contact on difficult technical issues.
• Coordinate and interface with customers on requirements and flow down the requirements to the corresponding engineering groups.
• Work with the aircraft component vendors, analyze and compare available capabilities vs. customer's requirements, document findings, and communicate results to engineering staff.
• Make technical presentations to the customer and senior management as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

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 in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a general understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Good communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• An EIT (Engineer in Training) certificate is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.