Engineer VII

Senior Staff Engineer - Mission Analysis (Fighter Pilot)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems and integrated mission technologies, is seeking a highly experienced and technically adept Senior Staff Engineer to join our Mission Analysis team in Poway, CA. This position is tailored for a former F-22 or F-35 fighter pilot with significant operational experience who will apply their expertise to concept development, operational planning, modeling and simulation, and strategic mission design. The ideal candidate will leverage their real-world fighter pilot experience to guide the development of advanced mission architectures and future operational concepts, ensuring GA-ASI's technologies remain at the forefront of defense innovation.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Mission Analysis & Strategic Planning

Lead mission analysis efforts by evaluating operational requirements, constraints, risk factors, and stakeholder guidance to develop actionable recommendations.

Translate fighter pilot expertise into formal operational planning artifacts, including mission statements, OV-1's, and ConOps.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission analysis insights inform system design and development.

Modeling, Simulation, and Wargaming

Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of war games and simulations that explore advanced tactics, techniques procedures (TTP), and future operational concepts.

Develop scenario-based simulations reflecting adversary capabilities, emerging threat systems, and realistic contested environments.

Utilize advanced modeling tools (e.g., AFSIM and Command Professional Edition) and data analytics platforms to interpret results and provide actionable insights.

Systems Engineering & Mission Planning Tools

Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) support for mission planning tools, sensor specifications, and planning relevant to F-22 and F-35 operations.

Collaborate with systems engineers and software developers to ensure mission planning systems meet operational needs and integrate seamlessly with advanced unmanned platforms.

Troubleshoot and validate mission data and system integrations to optimize operational performance.

Operational Support & Doctrine Development

Use operational experience to refine or develop TTPs for employing advanced unmanned aircraft in contested environments.

Contribute to the development of ConOps documents that shape future mission analysis planning.

Mentor and train less experienced analysts, ensuring tactical knowledge is translated into structured analysis and actionable recommendations.

Leadership & Communication

Serve as a spokesperson and technical expert on mission analysis projects and programs, representing GA-ASI to senior internal and external stakeholders.

Develop and deliver high-impact briefings, reports, and white papers that summarize findings and influence strategic decisions.

Provide leadership and guidance to professional staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve mission analysis processes, simulation workflows, and operational planning methodologies.

Incorporate lessons learned from exercises, operations, and debriefs to refine models and enhance mission planning capabilities.

Stay current on emerging threat systems, military doctrine, and technology trends to ensure GA-ASI maintains its competitive edge.

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