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.

The Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA is a growing center of excellence seeking high-performing technical contributors, unique talent, and future leaders in the Systems Engineering functional area. The Senior Mission Systems Architect will be responsible for the design and development of next-generation mission systems providing end-to-end missionization for unmanned air vehicles. This candidate’s contributions will span across multiple UAS platforms to include Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Longshot, a variety of Small UAS, Expendable UAS, NexGen ISR, and Legacy Platform variants such as MQ-1 & MQ-9A/B. In this critical position, the candidate will have the ability to define platform level communication architectures and see them rapidly fielded. This is a key growth area for GA-ASI over the next 2 years.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leverage extensive knowledge of the application and employment of tactical data links (TDLs) to support existing and future programs in the implementation of TDLs on GA-ASI family of unmanned aircraft and communications pods.
• Develop concept of operation and concept of employment to shape the design of TDL architectures for unmanned systems. Develop and document system and subsystem requirements to capture the requisite system design and performance parameters.
• Design hardware, software, and network architectures to meet technical, environmental, and airworthiness requirements and select the hardware components to meet those requirements. Work with other product teams to ensure the software and network implementation meets system requirements.
• Integrate and support the testing of TDL systems in a lab and flight environment. Travel to customer sites as needed to support the testing and qualification of systems in operationally representative environments.
• Function in an advisory or leadership role with regards to the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of engineering problem(s) and provides direction and guidance to professional and support staff.
• 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.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, ten or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have experience in the design and implementation of tactical data link equipment and architectures as part of a contract or research and development evolutions.
• Candidate must have extensive experience in at least three of the following areas:
  • Derivation of system requirements from customer documents and military standards. Management of the requirements database (e.g. JAMA or DOORS) to include traceability and verification.
  • Development and documentation of a system's architecture using requirements to define hardware, software, and networking block diagrams.
  • Selection of ruggedized security, data processing, communications, and radio frequency (RF) components and hardware as part of a system design.
  • Implementation of software to interface with or process tactical data link information.
  • Hands-on integration of a system from prototype to formal qualification. Includes lab and/or flight test evolutions.
  • Tactical data link network design to include the development of interface exchange requirements (IERs), configuration/initialization file development, and testing.
  • Testing of a tactical data link system in lab and flight environments to verify system requirements. Testing experience should include the selection or development of test tools and test equipment.
• Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of tactical data link roles, messages, and interfaces. Must have detailed knowledge of the roles and implementation of each role detailed in MIL-STD-6016 and US/Joint TDL doctrine(s).
• Must also be familiar with the implementation of Joint Range Extension Application Protocol via IP (JREAP-C), and data forwarding rules described in MIL-STD-6020.
• Knowledge of Variable Message Format (VMF) via IP and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) is a plus. Qualified Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) or equivalent experience is desired.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance required.