RF Datalinks Systems Engineer
Poway, California
Overview
General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.
Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.
Schedule: Full-Time Salary
Job Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful RF Datalinks Systems Engineer at General Atomics? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Inventive
- Problem Solver
- Team Player
- Creative
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.
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. (travel 25%)
- 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, VHF/UHF 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.
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 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.
- Must be able to work extended hours as required.
- An EIT (Engineer in Training) certificate is desirable.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
Salary:$68,770 - $116,193
Benefits
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Healthcare
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Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
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Competitive Pay
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Multiple product lines means a variety of work
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Paid Time Off
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“The company is growing, has a very good reputation and had open positions in my area of expertise (aircraft design/design methodology development).”– Peter, Senior Staff Engineer
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“We don't ascribe to quotas; we do ascribe to securing the BEST talent to enrich our culture toward healthy diversification and active/viable community service. We are STEM advocates.”– Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer
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“Every day is different, with different problems to solve and many programs to support. I am a problem solver and have always been motivated by the tough questions.”– Scott, Laser Scientist
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“I work in the Components Engineering and Obsolescence Management Dept. Our efforts are saving General Atomics several millions of dollars by proactively leading and informing the company of all these decisions which significantly impact production, sustainment and new designs.”– John, Staff Engineer
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