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Nuclear Systems Engineer

General Atomics
General Atomics Salary
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/6/2026
Job Summary

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 System Engineer with nuclear experience to join our team located in San Diego, CA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform and lead multiple integrated product teams for the development of prototype systems through design, integration and test with particular focus on nuclear systems.
  • Using a SysML tool, like Cameo, to produce system models which includes developing the standard 9 diagrams of activity, block definition, internal block, package, parametric, requirement, sequence, state machine and use cases.
  • Provides adaptable support to the systems engineering organization. Responsibilities may include direct program systems engineering support, proposal development, or support to internal development tasks.
  • Perform analysis and decomposition of system, segment, subsystem and assembly requirements including nuclear safety requirements and regulatory compliance.
  • Lead system engineering team through development of system requirements, ICDs, test plans/procedures and other system engineering artifacts ensuring adherence to nuclear industry standards.
  • Lead multiple integrated product teams through system analysis, assembly, integration and testing including knowledge of nuclear safety definitions.
  • Lead the design and development of prototype systems through design, integration, and test.
  • Collaborate with all levels of program and engineering staff on design, integration and test matters and support other teams/disciplines as necessary including to develop deployment, block definition, internal block definition, activity, state & sequence diagrams, perform requirement capture and characterization, develop parametric analysis, enable all SysML-based artifact development and use in a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) environment, test plans and procedures including environmental testing.
  • Support program design and readiness reviews including presenting at these reviews.
  • Supports operation of engineering systems and documents any problems.
  • Opportunities will arise to support internal development and new business opportunities.
  • Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.
  • Troubleshoot conflicting design/development requirements, difficult coordination requirements, and special material requirements.
  • Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required.
  • May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single component projects.
  • Interface with customers during program shaping, ConOps development, and requirements derivation activities.
  • Provides direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
  • 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.

Job Qualifications

  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates an extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with experience in project leadership.
  • Experience with nuclear systems development, including familiarly with key nuclear performance metrics such as the 6 factor formula.
  • Experience leading the development, assembly, integration and testing for a system which will undergo verification and validation including creation of system engineering and test artifacts.
  • Understanding of NQA-1 requirements
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
  • Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Familiarity with digital engineering and toolsets including SysML-based enterprise and performance evaluation tools.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment. Able to work extended hours as required.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret and/or a Top Secret clearance is required.


DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience working with MagicDraw, DOORS, Confluence, Teams and JIRA.
  • Has past experience as an Integrated Product Team Lead.
  • Has hands-on experience with nuclear systems, components, or related technologies
  • Familiarity with nuclear industry codes and standards
  • Experience with nuclear plan operations, start up and shut down procedures, and engineering support functions
  • Has hands on integration experience.
  • Has experience developing test plans, procedures and reports.
  • A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium.
  • Previous experience working with the Department Of Defense.


Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545

Salary.com Estimation for Nuclear Systems Engineer in San Diego, CA
$138,894 to $164,540
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