Chief Systems Engineer
General Atomics
Herndon, VA · Posted September 25, 2026
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Where Herndon, VA ranks
Where Herndon, VA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #2Best cities for pay after cost of living in Virginia$161k · of 15
- #3Best cities for pay after cost of living in the Southeast$161k · of 33
- #3Best all-round cities for AI careers in the Mid-Atlantic86 / 100 · of 37
- #4Best cities for pay after cost of living in the Mid-Atlantic$161k · of 37
- #4Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Mid-Atlantic441 openings · of 68
- #4Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Mid-Atlantic76 / 100 · of 37
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)
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 (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.