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Job Analysis:
The Mid-Level MQ-9B Systems Engineer role at GA-ASI centers fundamentally on managing and engineering system requirements for sophisticated unmanned aerial systems, particularly the MQ-9B platform. The core purpose of the role is to ensure that system designs are rigorously aligned with stakeholder expectations and technical constraints through structured requirements development, decomposition, and traceability. This means the engineer acts as a crucial translator between high-level operational needs and detailed technical specifications, facilitating smooth integration and validation across multidimensional subsystems. Responsibilities extend beyond pure documentation; they require the candidate to actively analyze the impacts of proposed changes, resolve conflicts in competing requirements, and support system verification through test planning and execution. Given the complexity and safety-critical nature of military-grade UAVs, precision, thoroughness, and clear communication are pivotal. The job calls for proficiency with specialized requirements management and collaboration tools (e.g., DOORS, JAMA, Teamcenter), as well as a firm grasp of systems engineering principles applied within a defense contracting environment. Successful candidates likely face challenges such as navigating evolving technical requirements in a fast-paced aerospace setting, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring regulatory and security compliance. Success in this role within the first year would be demonstrated by delivering accurate, traceable system requirements that enable seamless downstream development, supporting test phases effectively, and becoming a dependable resource for cross-functional teams while adhering to project timelines and budgets.
Company Analysis:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) occupies a premier position as the global leader in unmanned aerial systems, with a strong niche in military, security, and surveillance technology. The company's reputation is built on pioneering disruptive technologies that demand high reliability and sophistication, which elevates the strategic importance of any systems engineering role. GA-ASI’s emphasis on innovation, persistent ISR capabilities, and precision strike solutions highlights a culture focused on mission-critical quality and continuous advancement. The environment is likely highly collaborative but rigorous, valuing both individual technical excellence and team-centric contribution. This blends well with the role’s hybrid work policy and support for personal development. As a mid-level engineer on the Requirements and Architecture team, the candidate has visibility into pivotal programs, interfacing across multiple internal and external stakeholders, potentially influencing key architectural decisions for UAV platforms that have real-world defense implications. The position aligns with the company’s growth trajectory, suggesting a role that is not only technical but strategic—supporting expanding product lines and evolving customer demands. Candidates who thrive will align themselves with GA-ASI’s mission-driven approach, embrace the responsibility of contributing to national security objectives, and comfortably operate in a structured yet dynamic aerospace manufacturing and defense context.
