Director of Project Engineering

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 a Director of Project Engineering to join our Agile Mission Systems team in Poway, CA.

This position typically reports to the Senior Director of Engineering and is responsible, through subordinate management, for the planning, managing and technical performance of one or more major engineering function(s). Oversees all phases of assigned engineering project(s) from inception through completion. Responsibilities may require the integration of multiple disciplines and departments. Consults with executive management to develop and implement strategic business plans including the development of current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business and financial objectives for the unit(s). Participates in and contributes to the development of annual and long-term objectives for the Group/Company. Objectives are established under the general direction of senior management. Responsible for decisions that have significant long-term impact on the engineering unit, group and/or corporation.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of engineering projects from inception to completion including planning and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
• Develop and implement current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for the engineering units and may also participate in the development of Group/Company objectives.
• Oversee the development of design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
• Direct technical teams and drive troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis for mission systems and payloads.
• Direct and lead engineering product development efforts, ensure engineering best practices are followed, provide critical oversight of all engineering design reviews to include; CODR, SRR, PDR, CDR.
• Identify product/system capability gaps as it pertains to GA-ASI aircraft & mission payloads, develop system CONOPs, derive Key Performance Parameters, and identify technical solutions to solve key capability gaps.
• Provide critical review of all engineering estimates and program proposals. Ensure appropriate scope, resources, schedule, and cost are identified.
• Influence decisions of senior leaders both within and outside the company on matters of high significance.
• May represent the Unit/Group/Company in relations with customers, and business and non-business communities and act as the primary spokesperson for the engineering unit(s).
• Participate in and influence the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract(s).
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by overseeing the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
• Conduct business and technical briefings for senior and top management and for external representatives. Lead progress review sessions to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Identify engineering issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specifications.
• Direct the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities.
• Participate with Group management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the Group/Company.
• Oversee the development of and ensure the security of the unit's proprietary technology, and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• 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.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex engineering experience with at least eleven of those years having management responsibilities. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as comprehensive project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must possess the ability to resolve unusually complex management and technical problems and be a technical expert in one or more areas of engineering.
• Strong understanding of national defense mission objectives, how unmanned aircraft systems can be used to achieve such objectives, and must possess technical depth in technology areas of required mission systems & payloads (i.e. ELINT, COMINT, Radar, EO/IR, Optics, Weapons, etc.).
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Must champion company goals and objectives, motivate staff, and perpetuate an agile and innovative culture while working within the constraints of the business.
• A Professional Engineering License, and original work(s) published in professional engineering journals are desirable.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Active TS/SCI clearance desired.
  
  
  

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 155,370 - 289,320