{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"b4ded73e217efb682399b055","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/b4ded73e217efb682399b055","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/b4ded73e217efb682399b055","title":"System Development and Test Engineering Manager","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 are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead our MQ-9 Weapons and Payloads System Development and Test organization in Poway, CA. This critical leadership role will oversee multiple test supervisors and their teams, ensuring the successful planning, execution, and delivery of comprehensive system-level testing for the MQ-9 platform. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in system test methodologies combined with proven leadership capabilities to drive test rigor across complex unmanned aircraft systems. Extensive experience with weapons and payload integration testing is required.\n\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:\n\nLeadership & Management\nManage and mentor multiple test supervisors, each leading their own teams of test engineers\nProvide strategic direction for system test activities across the MQ-9 program\nFoster a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration\nConduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and succession planning for supervisory staff\nAllocate resources effectively across multiple concurrent test programs and priorities\nBuild and maintain high-performing teams through recruitment, training, and professional development\nTechnical Oversight\nOversee the development and execution of comprehensive system test plans, procedures, and reports\nEnsure test activities align with program requirements, schedules, and quality standards\nReview and approve test strategy documents and program test roadmaps\nDrive resolution of complex technical issues identified during system testing\nProgram Integration\nCollaborate with Engineering, Program Management, and Flight Operations\nParticipate in program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer engagements\nSupport proposal development and provide test planning inputs for new business opportunities\nManage test schedules and coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet program milestones\nInterface with government customers and regulatory agencies as required\nProcess & Infrastructure\nEstablish and maintain test processes, standards, and best practices\nDrive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test efficiency and effectiveness\nEnsure proper documentation and configuration management of test assets and data\nImplement metrics and reporting systems to track test progress and performance\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\nTypically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex engineering experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.\nMinimum 3 years of experience in a management or supervisory role leading test teams.\nProven track record of successfully delivering test programs on schedule and within budget.\nExperience with unmanned aircraft systems, avionics, or flight test operations.\nTechnical Skills\nDeep understanding of system test methodologies, including requirements verification, integration testing, and validation.\nFamiliarity with airworthiness certification processes and regulatory requirements.\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to resolve complex technical challenges.\nProficiency with test management tools and documentation systems.\nPrevious experience with weapons systems is required. (e.g., AGM-114/179, GBU-12/38/39/48/49/54/69)\nLeadership Competencies\nExcellent communication skills with ability to effectively engage at all organizational levels.\nStrong organizational and project management capabilities.\nAbility to make sound decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.\nExperience building consensus and driving results across cross-functional teams.\nDemonstrated ability to develop talent and build organizational capability.\nClearance\nAbility to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\nMaster’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.\nExperience with MQ-9A and MQ-9B platforms.\nKnowledge of military standards and specifications. (MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-461, etc.)\nExperience supporting international programs and customers.\nBackground in flight test operations or airworthiness certification.\nJob Category\nEngineering\nExperience Level\nManagement\nWorkstyle\nHybrid\nFull-Time/Part-Time\nFull-Time Salary\nPay Range Low\n125,810\nPay Range High\n229,670\nTravel Percentage Required\n0% - 25%\nRelocation Assistance Provided?\nYes\nUS Citizenship Required?\nYes\nClearance Required?\nDesired\nClearance Level\nSecret","company":"Generalatomic","rawCompany":"generalatomic","city":"Poway","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-04-14T11:27:30.515Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"},{"code":"11-3051.01","title":"Quality Control Systems Managers","slug":"quality-control-systems-managers"},{"code":"11-9121.00","title":"Natural Sciences Managers","slug":"natural-sciences-managers"}],"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":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"System Development and Test Engineering Manager","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 are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead our MQ-9 Weapons and Payloads System Development and Test organization in Poway, CA. This critical leadership role will oversee multiple test supervisors and their teams, ensuring the successful planning, execution, and delivery of comprehensive system-level testing for the MQ-9 platform. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in system test methodologies combined with proven leadership capabilities to drive test rigor across complex unmanned aircraft systems. Extensive experience with weapons and payload integration testing is required.\n\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:\n\nLeadership & Management\nManage and mentor multiple test supervisors, each leading their own teams of test engineers\nProvide strategic direction for system test activities across the MQ-9 program\nFoster a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration\nConduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and succession planning for supervisory staff\nAllocate resources effectively across multiple concurrent test programs and priorities\nBuild and maintain high-performing teams through recruitment, training, and professional development\nTechnical Oversight\nOversee the development and execution of comprehensive system test plans, procedures, and reports\nEnsure test activities align with program requirements, schedules, and quality standards\nReview and approve test strategy documents and program test roadmaps\nDrive resolution of complex technical issues identified during system testing\nProgram Integration\nCollaborate with Engineering, Program Management, and Flight Operations\nParticipate in program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer engagements\nSupport proposal development and provide test planning inputs for new business opportunities\nManage test schedules and coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet program milestones\nInterface with government customers and regulatory agencies as required\nProcess & Infrastructure\nEstablish and maintain test processes, standards, and best practices\nDrive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test efficiency and effectiveness\nEnsure proper documentation and configuration management of test assets and data\nImplement metrics and reporting systems to track test progress and performance\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\nTypically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex engineering experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.\nMinimum 3 years of experience in a management or supervisory role leading test teams.\nProven track record of successfully delivering test programs on schedule and within budget.\nExperience with unmanned aircraft systems, avionics, or flight test operations.\nTechnical Skills\nDeep understanding of system test methodologies, including requirements verification, integration testing, and validation.\nFamiliarity with airworthiness certification processes and regulatory requirements.\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to resolve complex technical challenges.\nProficiency with test management tools and documentation systems.\nPrevious experience with weapons systems is required. (e.g., AGM-114/179, GBU-12/38/39/48/49/54/69)\nLeadership Competencies\nExcellent communication skills with ability to effectively engage at all organizational levels.\nStrong organizational and project management capabilities.\nAbility to make sound decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.\nExperience building consensus and driving results across cross-functional teams.\nDemonstrated ability to develop talent and build organizational capability.\nClearance\nAbility to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\nMaster’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.\nExperience with MQ-9A and MQ-9B platforms.\nKnowledge of military standards and specifications. (MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-461, etc.)\nExperience supporting international programs and customers.\nBackground in flight test operations or airworthiness certification.\nJob Category\nEngineering\nExperience Level\nManagement\nWorkstyle\nHybrid\nFull-Time/Part-Time\nFull-Time Salary\nPay Range Low\n125,810\nPay Range High\n229,670\nTravel Percentage Required\n0% - 25%\nRelocation Assistance Provided?\nYes\nUS Citizenship Required?\nYes\nClearance Required?\nDesired\nClearance Level\nSecret","datePosted":"2026-04-14T11:27:30.515Z","dateModified":"2026-04-14T11:27:30.515Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Generalatomic","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Poway","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"b4ded73e217efb682399b055"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/b4ded73e217efb682399b055"}}