Senior Systems Engineer
General Atomics
San Diego, CA · Posted September 24, 2026
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Where San Diego, CA ranks
Where San Diego, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Cities hosting the most business conferences in the West Coast78 conferences · of 17
- #2Cities hosting the most human resources conferences6 conferences · of 10
- #3Best cities for life sciences and biotech jobs454 openings · of 41
- #3Best cities for aerospace and defense jobs377 openings · of 67
- #3Cities hosting the most legal services conferences7 conferences · of 17
- #3Cities hosting the most staffing & human capital conferences6 conferences · of 8
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 180 open senior systems engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $133,000 to $169,500 and the median is $133,000.
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How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer occupations, all other, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer occupations, all other: 31% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
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 currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our team located in San Diego, CA. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Systems Engineering (SE) Leadership Lead systems engineering activities for complex defense systems, with an emphasis on space systems and payloads. Develop and manage systems engineering artifacts, including requirements, interface control documents, test plans/procedures, and configuration baselines. Use SysML tools (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw) and MBSE methods to: Capture and decompose system, subsystem, and lower‑level requirements. Develop and maintain system models Support design trades and system behavior/performance characterization Provide technical guidance to systems engineering staff and integrated product teams; mentor and support the development of junior systems engineers. Serve as a key technical contributor and present technical content at internal and customer reviews. Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Support Support AI&T planning and execution for space systems and other complex platforms, working closely with dedicated AI&T leads. Contribute to the development and review of AI&T plans and procedures, ensuring alignment with system requirements and verification/validation objectives. Participate in test activities as a systems engineer, including requirements verification, test readiness reviews, and anomaly documentation and resolution. Help ensure consistency between system models, requirements, and test artifacts in a model‑based systems engineering environment. Space Systems and Payload Experience Apply experience with space‑based systems and payloads to inform architecture, requirements, and design decisions across multiple programs. Support the design and integration of space payloads into broader system architectures, including interfaces, performance, and mission operations. Contribute space domain expertise while remaining flexible to support other defense systems as program needs evolve. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Collaborate with program management, engineering disciplines, and other functional teams on design, integration, and test activities. Participate in and present at program design and readiness reviews throughout the lifecycle. Interface with customers to understand needs and communicate technical status. Generate technical documentation and presentations that will be used by other engineering disciplines to support programs, proposals, and internal development opportunities. Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies; work safely in accordance with established procedures. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.