Experienced Unmanned Aviation Engineer

General Dynamics

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Manassas, VA
Salary: $142,696–$158,303 / yr
Posted: 4 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $172k

This role $150k

$137k most similar roles pay here $200k

This role pays less than 65% of similar roles. Most pay $150,000–$193,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $150k versus about $172k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation, ship construction, land combat vehicles, and information technology. It serves customers in the U.S. government, allied governments, and a diverse array of commercial markets.

General Dynamics currently has 422 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $112,924–$149,500 across 357 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Experienced Unmanned Aviation Engineer

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As an Experienced Unmanned Aviation Engineer at GD Mission Systems in Manassas, VA, you will join a dedicated team focused on advancing unmanned aviation technology. Your primary responsibilities include providing subject matter expertise for ISR and OWA mission requirements, identifying technology gaps, and collaborating with systems engineers to ensure customer needs are integrated into program baselines. You will leverage your network within the operational and acquisition communities to facilitate customer engagement and solution validation. The role requires a deep understanding of payload systems architecture, including capabilities definition and system integration across multi-domain configurations. Ideal candidates possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering or related fields, along with extensive experience in aviation, UAS, or airborne mission systems, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

Skills

UAS ISR EMI RF Systems Engineering Payload Systems Architecture ConOps ORDs ICDs DoD Secret Clearance required experience in aviation network within UAS operator program offices major commands FFRDC/UARC organizations

What you'll do

Provide expertise in ISR and OWA mission requirements, addressing environmental constraints and EMI considerations.
Identify technology gaps and emerging payload capabilities for UAS platforms.
Engage with operational and acquisition communities to capture customer needs and validate solutions.
Translate operator pain points into system-level problem statements for engineering teams.
Define capability requirements and integration approaches as a payload systems architect.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related field plus at least 8 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated expertise in ISR and OWA mission environments, including environmental and EMI/RF considerations.
Hands-on experience with payload systems architecture, defining capabilities, interface standards, and integration approaches.
Established network within the UAS operator, program office, or requirements community for stakeholder engagement.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret clearance.
Experience in aviation, UAS, or airborne mission systems required.

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