Engineer II

Job Summary

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.

Under general supervision and with regular review, this position supports the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation and resolution of engineering problems of moderate scope and complexity. Assignments are normally accompanied by general instructions and suggestions, outlining possible approaches, sources or information, and potential problems to be encountered with work reviewed regularly for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. Tasks involve the exercise of independent judgment and discretion about matters of significance. Documents findings and implemented solutions and communicates results to engineering staff. Contacts are primarily internal with infrequent inter-organization or customer contact on routine matters. May provide direction to design or technician staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Aid in developing flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to the flight test program.
• Collaborate on mechanical bench test designs and assist the team with drawings completion.
• Identify challenges, roadblocks or issues and recommend a suitable course of action for prevention or resolution.
• Conduct bench tests of complex instrumentation systems and networks to validate methods and accuracy.
• Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft for flight testing.
• Quickly learn new concepts to troubleshoot electromechanical and data acquisition systems in real time.
• Develop and document test procedures, technical specifications, and test activities/results.
• Provide technical support, health monitoring, and system documentation throughout testing.
• Perform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests of components on and off the aircraft.
• Define, communicate, and document flight and ground test objectives, and design appropriate systems.
• Collaborate with test engineers and technicians for research and development testing.
• Ensure readiness of test assets, including hardware/software configuration, procedures, and equipment.
• Report progress, assess system performance, and provide detailed anomaly descriptions to software/hardware teams.
• Prioritize, multitask, and adapt to support on-site/off-site test activities.
• Be flexible with extended hours, travel, and schedule shifts to support testing needs.
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and program management for flight test activities.
• Assist Project Engineers with scheduling and logistics of unmanned flight tests, if necessary.
• Collaborate with internal customers on test plan development and execution.
• Maintain flexibility for remote aircraft testing under varying time constraints.

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 or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must be enthusiastic about working directly with company products and systems.
• Must be a self-starter, with the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• A strong desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations is required.
• Has demonstrated an ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, with the capability to accommodate sudden shifts in test schedules and test requirements.
• Ability to analyze test data and communicate results using Excel, and other Microsoft Office Tools is required.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to document procedures and maintain technical records, capture system test requirements, record test failures, present technical information and report test results.
• Must have the ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel as required (~50%).
• Experience with and an understanding of programmable sensors is a plus.
• Experience with 3D modeling software and fabrication techniques is desired.
• Basic understanding of digital communication systems, analog to digital conversion and transmission methods.
• Hands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques is a plus.
• Comfortable discussing data processing techniques such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transform methods.
• Experience with a variety of data acquisition systems is a plus.
• Some experience with IE languages such as MATLAB, C or Python, and experience with writing and debugging scripts is desired.