{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"2c28a4c24c92d8d597b970c6","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/2c28a4c24c92d8d597b970c6","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/2c28a4c24c92d8d597b970c6","title":"Mechanical Test Engineer","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.\n\nWe have an exciting opportunity for an entry level Test Engineer to join the Flight Test Instrumentation Team, in Poway, CA. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and execution of system level UAV flight test programs across the entire company product line. 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.\n\nDUITES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\n\nAid in developing flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to the flight test program.\nConduct bench tests of complex instrumentation systems and networks to validate methods and accuracy.\nInstall measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft for flight testing.\nQuickly learn new concepts to troubleshoot electromechanical and data acquisition systems in real time.\nDevelop and document test procedures, technical specifications, and test activities/results.\nProvide technical support, health monitoring, and system documentation throughout testing.\nPerform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests of components on and off the aircraft.\nDefine, communicate, and document flight and ground test objectives, and design appropriate systems.\nCollaborate with test engineers and technicians for research and development testing.\nEnsure readiness of test assets, including hardware/software configuration, procedures, and equipment.\nReport progress, assess system performance, and provide detailed anomaly descriptions to software/hardware teams.\nPrioritize, multitask, and adapt to support on-site/off-site test activities.\nBe flexible with extended hours, travel, and schedule shifts to support testing needs.\nCollaborate with flight operations, engineering, and program management for flight test activities.\nAssist Project Engineers with scheduling and logistics of unmanned flight tests, if necessary.\nCollaborate with internal customers on test plan development and execution.\nMaintain flexibility for remote aircraft testing under varying time constraints.\n\nWe recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.\n\nJob Qualifications\n\nTypically requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education\nMust be enthusiastic about working directly with company products and systems.\nMust be a self-starter, with the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.\nA strong desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations is required.\nHas demonstrated an ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, with the capability to accommodate sudden shifts in test schedules and test requirements.\nAbility to analyze test data and communicate results using Excel, and other Microsoft Office Tools is required.\nExcellent communication skills are required, including the ability to document procedures and maintain technical records, capture system test requirements, record test failures, present technical information and report test results.\nMust have the ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.\nMust be able to work extended hours and travel as required (~50%).\nAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.\nAdditional Desired Skills and Experience:\nExperience with and an understanding of programmable sensors.\nHands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques is a plus.\nComfortable discussing data processing techniques such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transform methods.\nExperience with a variety of data acquisition systems is a plus.\nExperience with 3D modeling software and fabrication techniques is desired.\nExperience with IE languages such as MATLAB, C or Python, and experience with writing and debugging scripts is a plus.\n\nJob Category\n\nEngineering\n\nExperience Level\n\nEntry-Level (0-2 years)\n\nWorkstyle\n\nOnsite\n\nFull-Time/Part-Time\n\nFull-Time Salary\n\nPay Range Low\n\n62,510\n\nPay Range High\n\n105,628\n\nTravel Percentage Required\n\n0% - 25%\n\nRelocation Assistance Provided?\n\nYes\n\nUS Citizenship Required?\n\nYes\n\nClearance Required?\n\nDesired\n\nClearance Level\n\nSecret\n\nSearch Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies","company":"General Atomics","rawCompany":"general atomics","city":"Poway","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-09-04T09:59:08.088Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-3021.00","title":"Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians","slug":"aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technologists-and-technicians"},{"code":"17-3027.00","title":"Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians","slug":"mechanical-engineering-technologists-and-technicians"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Mechanical Test Engineer","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.\n\nWe have an exciting opportunity for an entry level Test Engineer to join the Flight Test Instrumentation Team, in Poway, CA. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and execution of system level UAV flight test programs across the entire company product line. 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.\n\nDUITES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\n\nAid in developing flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to the flight test program.\nConduct bench tests of complex instrumentation systems and networks to validate methods and accuracy.\nInstall measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft for flight testing.\nQuickly learn new concepts to troubleshoot electromechanical and data acquisition systems in real time.\nDevelop and document test procedures, technical specifications, and test activities/results.\nProvide technical support, health monitoring, and system documentation throughout testing.\nPerform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests of components on and off the aircraft.\nDefine, communicate, and document flight and ground test objectives, and design appropriate systems.\nCollaborate with test engineers and technicians for research and development testing.\nEnsure readiness of test assets, including hardware/software configuration, procedures, and equipment.\nReport progress, assess system performance, and provide detailed anomaly descriptions to software/hardware teams.\nPrioritize, multitask, and adapt to support on-site/off-site test activities.\nBe flexible with extended hours, travel, and schedule shifts to support testing needs.\nCollaborate with flight operations, engineering, and program management for flight test activities.\nAssist Project Engineers with scheduling and logistics of unmanned flight tests, if necessary.\nCollaborate with internal customers on test plan development and execution.\nMaintain flexibility for remote aircraft testing under varying time constraints.\n\nWe recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.\n\nJob Qualifications\n\nTypically requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education\nMust be enthusiastic about working directly with company products and systems.\nMust be a self-starter, with the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.\nA strong desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations is required.\nHas demonstrated an ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, with the capability to accommodate sudden shifts in test schedules and test requirements.\nAbility to analyze test data and communicate results using Excel, and other Microsoft Office Tools is required.\nExcellent communication skills are required, including the ability to document procedures and maintain technical records, capture system test requirements, record test failures, present technical information and report test results.\nMust have the ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.\nMust be able to work extended hours and travel as required (~50%).\nAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.\nAdditional Desired Skills and Experience:\nExperience with and an understanding of programmable sensors.\nHands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques is a plus.\nComfortable discussing data processing techniques such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transform methods.\nExperience with a variety of data acquisition systems is a plus.\nExperience with 3D modeling software and fabrication techniques is desired.\nExperience with IE languages such as MATLAB, C or Python, and experience with writing and debugging scripts is a plus.\n\nJob Category\n\nEngineering\n\nExperience Level\n\nEntry-Level (0-2 years)\n\nWorkstyle\n\nOnsite\n\nFull-Time/Part-Time\n\nFull-Time Salary\n\nPay Range Low\n\n62,510\n\nPay Range High\n\n105,628\n\nTravel Percentage Required\n\n0% - 25%\n\nRelocation Assistance Provided?\n\nYes\n\nUS Citizenship Required?\n\nYes\n\nClearance Required?\n\nDesired\n\nClearance Level\n\nSecret\n\nSearch Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies","datePosted":"2026-09-04T09:59:08.088Z","dateModified":"2026-09-04T09:59:08.088Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"General Atomics","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Poway","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"2c28a4c24c92d8d597b970c6"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/2c28a4c24c92d8d597b970c6"}}