Electrical System Analysis and Test 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 career opportunity for an Electrical System Analysis and Test Engineer in Poway, CA. working in our Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) group. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for planning and executing various tests and analyses to drive aircraft electrical system design decisions. This position is within the Electrical Engineering Systems Group responsible for new aircraft electrical system design. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff and makes technical presentations as required. May coordinate segments of a specific project and may have 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:

• Develops and tests innovative but practical solutions to inform the design of aircraft subsystems, like electrical power, vehicle management/flight control, payloads, and lightning protection.
• Develops software and analytical tools in MATLAB and System Composer environments.
• Performs power characterization and power throughput testing for new payloads and avionics.
• Develops MATLAB/Simulink models to analyze system UARB (RS-422 serial communication bus) architecture.
• Develops novel tests and analytical methods as needed.
• Supports other engineers performing aircraft system level tests, like MIL-STD-704 (power quality) and aircraft battery characterization testing.
• Develops and delivers test equipment and test cable specifications to technicians and engineering aides for design and build.
• Performs system grounding analyses.
• Performs aircraft lightning zoning analysis and indirect effects analysis to determine aircraft susceptibility to lightning.
• Performs signal integrity testing for GPS, 1PPS, and serial repeaters.
• Documents and presents test and analysis results to program and/or other engineers.
• Performs electrical loads analysis for aircraft power budget.
• Presents reports at engineering meetings, develops presentations, and participates in program reviews.
• Maintains 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; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• 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 task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
• Must have excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Experience with FAA Regulations, NATO Standards, Military Specifications, and other aerospace industry standards is desired.
• Experience with system level test is highly desired.
• Experience with system modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink, System Composer, etc.) is highly desired.
• Experience with Git and version control software/systems is desired.
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC concepts is desired.
• Experience with Ansys and other EMI/EMC analytical tools is desired.
• Experience with test equipment (Oscilloscopes, power supplies, load banks, data acquisition (DAQ) instruments, other) is required.
• Experience with scripting languages (Python, other) is desired.
• Experience with aircraft electrical systems is highly desired.
• Familiarity with GA-ASI products is desired.
• Ability to occasionally travel is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.