Datalinks Security Systems Engineer
General Atomics· Defense & Aerospace· Oct 14, 2026 · 13d ago
Poway, CA
In office
Full-time
Mid
$70K–$116K
Job description
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Datalinks Security Systems Engineer in our Datalink Engineering Department. Under general supervision and with limited review, this position is responsible for the technical and project leadership with a primary focus on supporting the design and integration of current and next-generation cryptographic products. The candidate will be responsible for securing the various communication systems on GA-ASI’s portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and ground control systems, including MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-9B Sea/Sky Guardian, MQ-1C Gray Eagle, and FQ-42 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This position will help drive the strategic implementation of current and future encryption and security systems at GA-ASI. Major areas include supporting technical leadership, subcontractor technical management, and coordinating with various stakeholders for system integration, support, and deployment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Support senior engineers in the development, integration, testing, documentation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of secure datalink solutions (e.g. RF communications, networking, etc.) for UAS and ground control systems, including data-in-transit and data-at-rest security.
• Support the integration and testing of the secure Line-Of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) communications systems, including satellite communications using Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites; meshed networks; Common Data Link (CDL); Identification Friend or Foe (IFF); and secure VHF/UHF voice.
• Perform testing with aircraft and ground control stations in both the Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS).
• Assist with subcontractor coordination for the procurement, configuration, acceptance, integration, and testing of the secure communications equipment.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to support component research, trade studies, network architecture development, system analysis, and resolution of assigned technical issues under the guidance of senior personnel.
• Develop and update technical documentation, including system specifications, block diagrams, system interconnect diagrams, wire-interface definitions, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), plans, procedures, reports, and technical data packages.
• Support technical reviews and program activities by contributing to system analyses, trade studies, technical white papers, and preparation for System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), and Critical Design Review (CDR).
• Coordinate with engineering teams, program management, General Atomics business units, customers, industry partners, and subcontractors to support technical activities, resolve assigned issues, and communicate status.
• Track assigned tasks, action items, technical data, and test results to support program objectives, schedules, and milestones; participate in customer, stakeholder, and internal technical meetings as directed by senior engineering personnel.
• Support proposal activities by contributing to technical approaches, engineering estimates, schedules, and responses to customer and leadership requirements.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
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 as follows: two or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must possess the ability to quickly understand new concepts, apply them accurately in an evolving environment, organize and coordinate work across multiple activities, and determine appropriate technical approaches to a range of complex problems.
• Experience in developing and integrating hardware and software with various engineering disciplines, including Mechanical, Electrical, Cyber, and Software.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: RF Systems, RF Communications, Satellite Communications Systems, Common Data Link (CDL), Tactical datalinks, VHF/UHF communications, IP Networked RF systems.
• Experience with encryption techniques and devices used to secure Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) and Line-Of-Sight (LOS) datalinks is highly desired.
• Prior experience with performing RF testing, Internet Protocol (IP) Networking testing, and basic electrical testing are highly desired.
• Experience with National Security Agency (NSA) cryptographic certifications and approvals including Information Assurance Security Requirements Directive (IASRD) and Security Evaluation and Risk Determination (SERD) Requirements are highly desired.
• Experience with cryptographic key management and ordering and use of keys and key loaders (e.g. Simple Key Loader [SKL]) is highly desired.
• Knowledge of Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) and over the network key (OTNK) is highly desired.
• Must have strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and eventually lead a team of less experienced junior engineers or technicians.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
Job Category: Engineering
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Workstyle: Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low: 69,500
Pay Range High: 116,375
Travel Percentage Required: 0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?: No
US Citizenship Required?: Yes
Clearance Required?: Desired
Clearance Level: Secret
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