Engineer IV

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 Flight Controls Engineer in San Diego, CA (Poway, CA) to join our Flight Technologies department. The department seeks guidance, navigation, and flight control (GNC) engineers who are proficient not only in control law design and analysis but also in the flight-critical software production. Work may focus on all phases of the aircraft life cycle including requirements development, clean-sheet design, software integration and validation, flight test planning and execution, analysis of flight data, and support for fielded systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop flight control and algorithm improvements based on engineering design principles. Utilize varying methodologies including classical controls, linear and non-linear modeling, air vehicle and mission simulation, and flight data analysis.
• Ensure designs comply with system requirements, meet expectations based on legacy performance, and follow industry best practices.
• Assess flying qualities, characterize aircraft performance changes, and highlight risk impacts due to aircraft system changes to substantiate airworthiness
• Generate aircraft models in MATLAB and Simulink which include the flight mechanics, aerodynamic characteristics, mass properties, and flight control algorithms for purposes of simulation-based analysis
• Derive flight control requirements based on desired system capability and/or customer feedback to inform algorithm and controller designs
• Collaborate with other GA-ASI teams who integrate flight control algorithms into aircraft software, plan and execute testing for GNC developed capabilities, and utilize the interfaces and control techniques defined by GNC to pilot the aircraft
• Troubleshoot flight control anomalies experienced in fielded systems via flight data analysis and simulation, correlating with flight software operation and generating flight software corrective actions.
• Occasional travel to flight test facilities to support ground and flight test activities.
• Potential to lead a team of peers in accomplishing program objectives within provided timelines

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

 

• 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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD.  May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice. 
• Understands new concepts quickly and can adapt and apply lessons learned in an evolving environment.
• Formulates plans to utilize the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
• Possesses some experience in project leadership with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones. 
• Exhibits strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills which enable effective collaboration with team members, other departments, and/or industry professionals. 
• Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.