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UAV Systems Specialist III

General Atomics

Poway, CAFull-time$84–141K/yrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
$84–141K/yr
Location
Poway, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Citizenship required

Olive focuses on jobs in the United States, including remote roles you can work from there.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Secret clearance, required

Job overview

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems seeks an Electrical Engineer-Ground Control Station specialist for its Project Engineering Group in Poway, California. The role supports Ground Control Station design, builds, software development, testing, troubleshooting, and integration for GA-ASI UAV systems. The specialist also coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and customer teams, and provides technical leadership. A bachelor's degree or equivalent training and five or more years of relevant experience are typically required; an Electrical Engineering degree is preferred.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Engineering Principles, nice to haveProject Leadership, nice to haveCommunication, requiredPresentation Skills, requiredInterpersonal Skills, requiredAC Power Distribution, nice to haveWiring Codes, nice to haveTeamwork, requiredTroubleshooting, requiredEquipment Setup, requiredEquipment Configuration, requiredEngineering Drawings, requiredBlueprint Interpretation, requiredTechnical Specifications, requiredAnalog Audio Signals, requiredDigital Audio Signals, required

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Equivalent Experience, required5+ Years Engineering Experience, requiredElectrical Engineering Degree, nice to haveDoD Security Clearance Eligibility, requiredUS Citizenship, required

Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Full job description

59178BR

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 Electrical Engineer-Ground Control Station in Poway, CA. This position is part of the Project Engineering Group.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Diagnose and resolve technical issues encountered during Ground Control Stations (GCS) builds and software development, working across production and lab environments to maintain project timelines and system functionality.

  • Perform system level design of the GCS for GA-ASI UAV system.

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to develop, document, and validate GCS Production Test Procedures (PTP) that ensure quality and consistency across Ground Control Station builds.

  • Develop new designs or modifications of existing systems as required to meet project goals.

  • Work with other GCS team members to define system design requirements.

  • Work with other groups such as Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Program Management personnel to facilitate task completion.

  • Oversee sustaining engineering tasks and work closely with manufacturing on the integration of new and existing GCS assemblies and sub- assemblies.

  • Troubleshoot, analyze, and repair systems by utilizing best practices in standard engineering and scientific principles.

  • Work with CAD Designers and other engineering support organizations, produce documentation such as engineering drawings (mechanical assemblies, interconnects, cables), source control drawings, system specifications, and test procedures.

  • Deliver technical presentations, such as PDRs and CDRs.

  • Provide project leadership and direction to design or technical staff.

  • Interact with Program Management and customer personnel to review or define project requirements.

  • Prepare engineering proposals with technical specifications, cost analysis, and implementation plans for Ground Control Station solutions.

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 education or formal training equivalent to the completion of a bachelor's degree and five or more years of professional engineering/military technical and/or documentation experience. Equivalent professional engineering/military technical, operations, and/or maintenance experience may be substituted in lieu of education/training.

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred.

  • Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.

  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.

  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.

  • Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.

  • An understanding of AC electrical power distribution systems and wiring code is desirable.

  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.

  • Able to work extended hours as required.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.

  • Must understand basic troubleshooting and equipment setup techniques.

  • Strong troubleshooting skills and proficiency in equipment setup and configuration.

  • Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.

  • Must have a working knowledge of analog and digital audio signals.

Job Category:

Engineering

Experience Level:

Mid-Level (3-7 years)

Workstyle:

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low:

84,000

Pay Range High:

140,625

Travel Percentage Required:

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

No

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Clearance Required?:

Desired

Clearance Level:

Secret

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.

How this job compares

Set against the 3,228 open Systems Engineering jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 14, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$84–141K/yr
  • California median$154–225K/yr519 salary ranges
  • US median$129–205K/yr2,406 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $112K, is 42% below the California median midpoint ($195K) — in the lowest quarter of Systems Engineering salary ranges in California.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 623 open Systems Engineering jobs in California and 3,228 across the US. 5% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in California
Experience
This posting asks for at least 5 years of experience; Systems Engineering postings that state a minimum ask for 7 years at the median (2,518 postings).
Education
1,048 of the 3,228 open Systems Engineering jobs (32%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 14, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.

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