Director, Engineering
General Atomics
Herndon, VA · Posted October 29, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at General Atomics
More in Virginia job market · Aerospace & Defense · Engineering jobs
More roles at General Atomics
- Spacecraft Test Chief Engineer · Englewood, CO
- Vice President, Manufacturing · San Diego, CA
- Chief Engineer Optical Space Payloads · Acton, MA
- Director of Engineering & Operations, DIII-D National Fusion Facility · San Diego, CA
- Space Mechanical Chief Engineer · Englewood, CO
- Director of Strategic Development · San Diego, CA
Similar jobs
- Senior Specialist, Project Engineering · L3HARRIS Technologies · Ashburn, VA
- Vice President, Engineering · Caci NSS · Reston, VA
- Chief Engineer · BWX Technologies · Lynchburg, VA
- Process Manager - Legal Recovery · PRA Group · Norfolk, VA
- Director of Environmental Engineering · Chesterfield County Government · Chesterfield, VA
- VP Solutions Engineering – Liquid Cooling · Pkaza · Ashburn, VA
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
AI use among architectural and engineering managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for architectural and engineering managers: 3% (little observed).
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. The Engineering Director leads the planning, management, and technical execution of one or more significant engineering organizations or programs. Reporting to senior technical leadership, this position directs engineering projects from inception through completion and may oversee work involving multiple technical disciplines and departments. The Engineering Director partners with division, group, and company leadership to establish and execute current, annual, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives. This role requires sound judgment and the ability to make decisions that may significantly affect the success of the engineering organization, business unit, and company. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Direct all phases of engineering projects, including planning, execution, technical performance, and delivery, to achieve quality, business, schedule, and financial objectives. Develop and implement short- and long-term objectives for assigned engineering organizations. Establish design concepts, technical criteria, and engineering strategies for product research, development, testing, integration, and production. Serve as the primary engineering contact for assigned programs and communicate matters of significance to senior management. Collaborate with leadership on proposals, business plans, statements of work, specifications, operating budgets, and contract terms and conditions. Lead the recruitment, selection, development, retention, and performance of management, professional, and technical personnel. Promote technical excellence and ensure the organization has the talent and resources needed to meet its objectives. Lead program and engineering reviews addressing cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and risk. Identify complex engineering and organizational issues and lead the development and implementation of effective solutions, including resource reallocation and contract or requirements modifications when appropriate. Support the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing programs. Collaborate with leadership on business partnerships, strategic alliances, and joint ventures that enhance organizational and company capabilities. Oversee the development, protection, and security of proprietary technology and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. Perform other duties as assigned or required. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.