Senior Servo Controls and Actuation Engineer

Until 9/14/2026 5+ years exp First posted May 28, 2026 Last posted July 16, 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 and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Electro-Mechanical Engineer - Servo Controls within our ASI Electrical Engineering group. The position is located in Poway, CA.


DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Analyze, design, develop, support and troubleshoot control algorithms for servo systems, antiskid brakes, environmental control systems and power electronics for unmanned air vehicles and ground support equipment.
  • Will be responsible for analog, digital, S-domain and Z-domain controller design with appropriate analysis, modeling and simulation.
  • Responsibilities also include electrical, mechanical and software test and/or test support in the lab and in the field to verify system performance and troubleshoot problems. This includes test set-up and test data collection.
  • Multidisciplinary responsibilities include plant characterization of electronics, electromagnetic devices, servo mechanisms and aircraft structures.
  • Responsibilities also include requirements definition for individual servo components (electric motors - power, speed, torque;  gear trains - reduction ratios, lash, friction characteristics; feedback devices - resolution, accuracy, noise, etc).  This includes supporting in-house design or locating off-the-shelf vendor components and/or helping vendors develop components to meet requirements.
  • Responsible for all documentation necessary for sound engineering development (lab notebooks, test reports, trade studies, block diagrams, hand sketches, theory of operations, white papers, etc).
  • Responsible for all documentation necessary to support production (test procedures, test records, bill of materials, interface control drawings, source control drawings, change requests, change notices, etc). 
  • Responsible for generating documentation as necessary for customer support (slide presentations, field instructions and troubleshooting memos, field alert bulletins).
  • Will also be required to travel to GA-ASI and military test facilities (El Mirage, Grey Butte and other US facilities) to perform engineering tests and provide engineering support as needed.
  • Required to travel to vendor facilities to provide engineering support and/or vendor evaluation as needed (US).
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. 
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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

Design and troubleshoot control systems for servo and aircraft components.

Job title

Senior Servo Controls and Actuation Engineer

Experience level

senior level

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Poway, CA; travel required; on-site work preferred.

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

control algorithmsanalog designdigital designtest and troubleshootingsystem modeling

Preferred skills

electromagnetic devicesvibration analysisvendor evaluation

Specializations

servo controlselectromechanicalcontrol algorithmspower electronicsanalogue and digital control
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Poway, CA, USA

On-site City