Senior Staff Engineer – Mission Analysis; Fighter Pilot

Position: Senior Staff Engineer – Mission Analysis (Fighter Pilot)
Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) – a world leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems and integrated mission technologies – seeks a highly experienced and technically adept Senior Staff Engineer for its Mission Analysis team in Poway, CA. The position is tailored for a former F‑22 or F‑35 fighter pilot with significant operational experience who will translate real‑world expertise into concept development, operational planning, modeling and simulation, and strategic mission design.

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, and 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 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.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience: fifteen or more years with a bachelor’s, thirteen or more years with a master’s, or ten or more years with a PhD. Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for education.

• Former F‑22 or F‑35 fighter pilot with significant operational experience (combat, training, or squadron operations).

• Demonstrated expertise in fighter tactics, sensor employment, mission planning, and weapons integration.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including briefings to senior leadership.

• Proven analytical skills in mission planning, risk assessment, operational design, and wargaming.

• Experience working in cross‑functional teams (e.g., intelligence, systems engineering, operations).

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Preferred Experience:

- Familiarity with mission planning tools or mission…