Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

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 Instrumentation Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team, in Poway, CA. This engineer will be expected to work independently to plan, execute and report on system level UAV flight test programs. The hands-on nature of flight testing will require the test engineer to support activities at remote locations throughout the continental US, where company products are located and where flexible work schedules are often required. In addition, a high level of technical aptitude will be required in order to troubleshoot complex test systems on the fly. This is a highly cross-functional role, with expectations to build and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Aid in the development of flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to the needs of the flight test program.
• Bench test complex instrumentation systems and networks in a lab environment to validate test methods and accuracy.
• Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on the aircraft in preparation for flight testing.
• Learn new concepts quickly to troubleshoot electromechanical systems and data acquisition systems.
• Develop test procedures, maintain a detailed account of technical specifications, and clearly document test activities and results.
• Provide on-going technical support and health monitoring of the flight test instrumentation system from concept design and system build through test execution and data management.
• Perform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests of components both on and off of the aircraft.
• Determine, communicate, and document the flight and ground test objectives, and develop test systems accordingly.
• Work closely with other test engineers and technicians in the Mechanical Engineering Development Laboratory to complete aircraft level and component level research and development testing.
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including checking that product hardware and software are properly configured, procedures are written, equipment is operational, and results are accurate.
• Debrief engineering and management team on progress of flight and ground tests.
• Assess system performance and provide detailed descriptions of anomalies to software and hardware teams.
• Must be able to prioritize and multi-task while supporting test activities on and off-site.
• Must be comfortable working extended and flexible hours, and supporting work travel and schedule shifts as required, in order to support testing when and where it is needed most.
• Will work with flight operations, engineering, and program management in support of flight test activities.
• May assist Project Engineers with scheduling and logistics of unmanned flight tests.
• Will work closely with internal customers during test plan development and test execution.
• Must maintain flexibility in order to support test activities on aircraft, which may be located at remote test facilities and subject to inconsistent time constraints.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.