EO/IR Payload Integration Project Engineer

Until 10/5/2026 First posted May 29, 2026 Last posted August 6, 2026
Job description
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable, remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Agile Mission Systems (AMS) at GA-ASI in San Diego, CA a growing center of excellence in San Diego, CA – where innovation meets mission impact. We bring together high-performing technical experts and future leaders to develop, integrate, and field cutting-edge mission systems that meet the evolving needs of warfighters and decision-makers. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team to drive strategic objectives, develop customer-facing relationships, and architect solutions that bring complex systems of systems together—delivering real-world mission outcomes.

The Payload Integration group addresses challenging problems by developing, integrating, fielding, supporting, and advancing mature technologies into payload solutions for GA-ASI platforms. Current payloads include Multi-Mode Radars, EO/IR systems, Advanced IRST, Electronic Warfare systems, Countermeasures, and Signal Intelligence sensors to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with a passion for innovation, a deep understanding of gimbal-stabilized EO/IR technologies, and the technical expertise to enhance and expand turreted multi-sensor optical payloads into new mission sets. This role focuses on the integration and mission expansion of gimbal-stabilized, turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads. Qualified candidates will bring hands-on expertise with optical platforms incorporating high-resolution EO cameras, IR sensors, laser rangefinders, and laser designators optimized for precision targeting, long-range surveillance, and real-time intelligence collection.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Integrate, optimize, and support gimbal-stabilized and turreted multi-sensor EO/IR payloads onto airborne platforms, ensuring seamless hardware and software performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop expertise and become the subject matter expert and technological champion in the relevant capabilities
  • Understanding of hardware and software management in addition to manufacturing principles to maintain a strategic product portfolio
  • Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity standards for sensitive optical and sensor systems
  • Leads diverse multi-function engineering teams, meeting critical program milestones, and successfully executing programs within the defined cost and schedule. 
  • Represents as the face of engineering for this payload ensure consistent/appropriate messaging as well as cross-communication between internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supports engineering estimates and proposals during business development and shaping activities.
  • Develops program plans, estimates, schedules and execute programs to ensure programmatic and technical success.
  • Perform system analysis, trade studies, author technical white papers, and generate customer technical data packages.
  • Complete, document, and present System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR) and other technical reviews.
  • Supports mission architecture implementations and designs and CONOP development.
  • Supports payload compatibility and enhancement for open architecture initiatives (OMS, FACE, CESMO, etc.), Autonomy & Artificial Intelligence, fusion, track management, and other interoperability capabilities.
  • Supports the development of test plans and manage the integration, verification and validation new capabilities and technologies.
  • Supports development of business/strategic objectives and system concept-of-operations
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.


 
About this role

Summary

Integrate and support EO/IR payloads on airborne platforms, ensuring performance and security.

Job title

EO/IR Payload Integration Project Engineer

Experience level

not specified

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

San Diego, CA, no remote work specified

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

payload integrationoptical systemssoftware managementhardware managementcybersecurity

Preferred skills

system analysistrade studiestechnical white paperstest planninginteroperability

Specializations

EO/IR systemssensor integrationgimbal stabilizationoptical payloadscybersecurity
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

San Diego, CA, USA

On-site City