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Salary
≈ $141k – $278k per year (Estimated)
Location
In office (Herndon)
Seniority
Architect

Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 25, 2026.

Overview
Company
Impact
Profile match
Headquartered in San Diego, California, General Atomics is a prominent defense and diversified technologies corporation specializing in advanced aerospace and energy systems. The company develops and manufactures industry-defining remotely piloted aircraft, including the Predator and Reaper series, alongside electromagnetic aircraft launch systems and airborne surveillance technologies. It also remains a pioneer in high-energy physics, operating the largest magnetic fusion research facility in the United States and driving critical innovations in nuclear power.
Backed by FACIT
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Systems Engineer in our Herndon, VA office which is part of our Electromagnetic Systems group. The Herndon team provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Sets the overall technical vision and strategy for complex engineering solutions and major project and program portfolios, formulating long term plans for solution development, documentation, deployment, and compliance with reporting and safety standards.
  • Leads and oversees the integration of engineering solutions within the broader engineering and operational environment; ensures that documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates are complete, consistent, and technically sound.
  • Serves as the primary technical authority and prime technical contact on key contracts and programs; communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, senior management, and senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination across organizations.
  • Establishes and approves technical objectives and architectures for solutions to highly complex and advanced technical engineering problems, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and risk.
  • Represents the organization as the chief technical contact within engineering teams for multiple or strategically important projects and programs.
  • Functions in a chief engineer or senior advisory role, providing technical direction, guidance, and mentorship to senior and less experienced professional staff and multi disciplinary teams.
  • Formulates plans and directs the development and implementation of engineering solutions, including deployment, resource requirements, testing, documentation, integration, and compliance with safety, security, and regulatory standards.
  • Plans and oversees the maintenance and evolution of engineering solutions, including documentation, reporting, publishing, and technical presentations to ensure long term viability of solutions in an evolving threat and technology environment.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and plans for future applications of solutions based on new developments in engineering technology, mission needs, and customer priorities.
  • Leads or plays a key technical role in the development of new or expansion of existing business opportunities, including capture activities, technical solution development, and proposal support.
  • Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • 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.

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