Engineer, Aerospace ​/ Aviation ​/ Avionics

Job  

Company:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

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 Test Engineer to join our Flight Operations Team in Palmdale, California. Located at our Flight Operation Facility in Palmdale, CA, this position works under general supervision and mentorship, specializing in flight‑test coordination of developmental test and evaluation of emerging airframe, software, hardware, and payload capabilities.

Working directly with a broad spectrum of system design engineers, test & evaluation pilots, and system development & test engineers, the engineer shall perform technical reviews and safety analysis on test plans, flight‑test run cards and first‑article design packages. As a member of the team that manages the technical and safety review test process for the Vice President of Flight Operations, the engineer shall participate in the Developmental Test Safety Review Board to ensure risks and hazards are properly mitigated, and monitor flight‑test results to ensure adherence to test plans and sound test methodology in a highly dynamic environment.

• Complete appropriate and relative company training courses for flight operations and test director to gain system knowledge required for primary duties.
• Conduct technical reviews of flight‑test plans for sound test techniques, and provide safety analysis of risks, hazards, and mitigation strategies with internal team members.
• Coordinate and review test points and run cards with senior‑level aircrew for safe execution of flight‑test maneuvers, emphasizing aerodynamic performance and flying qualities of stability‑control systems and autopilot systems.
• Author and compile technical documents and memorandums, and provide verbal counsel to senior staff advising on safety aspects of flight‑test risks and mitigations.
• Provide centralized coordination and communication with flight‑test team members and subject‑matter‑expert design engineers in preparation for flight‑test.
• Represent Flight Operations on boards to include software design and changes, levels of test readiness (preliminary design, final design, ground test, and flight test), program introduction, and program readiness reviews.
• Perform the duties of Test Director for a multidisciplinary test team when required.
• Represent Flight Operations in a technical advisor capacity as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution; may substitute equivalent engineering experience.
• Learning and experience to include the understanding, test and evaluation of stability‑control systems, autopilot systems, and performance and flying qualities; unmanned air vehicle/system flight‑test experience preferred.
• Experience with creation, writing, review, and execution of test plans, test reports, analysis of flight‑test data, and failure analysis reports.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Demonstrates technical competence in applying engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones, including some project‑leadership experience.
• Customer‑focused and able to work independently and in a team environment, and willing to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Experience working around fixed‑wing aircraft preferred.
• Possession of a Private Pilot license or flight training preferred.
• Abil…