Autonomy Simulation Lead

General Atomics-posted 2 months ago
$140,940 - $252,293/Yr
Full-time • Senior
Poway, CA
5,001-10,000 employees
Publishing Industries
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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 are seeking a Principal Autonomy Simulation Lead in Poway, CA to spearhead the development of a high-fidelity simulation environment for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and multi-domain autonomy. Similar in concept to the advanced simulation frameworks used by autonomous driving companies, this capability will be applied to the complex, contested environments in which GA-ASI platforms operate. The Principal Autonomy Simulation Lead will direct the design, integration, and validation of a scalable simulation ecosystem that supports autonomy development, testing, and operational evaluation for unmanned aircraft and battle management systems. This role requires a unique blend of strategic vision, technical depth, and hands-on software expertise.

  • Lead the architecture and development of a next-generation high-fidelity simulation environment to enable autonomy development and evaluation for CCA.
  • Design and implement physics-based models for aircraft dynamics, sensors, communications, EW, and contested environments.
  • Drive integration of AI/ML autonomy stacks into simulation, supporting training, testing, and operational validation.
  • Develop scalable multi-agent simulation frameworks to evaluate collaborative behaviors, mission planning, and kill chain execution.
  • Leverage techniques and toolchains from the autonomous driving simulation ecosystem (e.g., sensor virtualization, synthetic environments, real-to-sim transfer).
  • Write, review, and maintain code in C++, Python, and related languages for modeling, simulation, and visualization.
  • Implement scalable simulation pipelines using modern DevSecOps, cloud computing, and container orchestration frameworks.
  • Interface with autonomy, mission engineering, and flight test teams to ensure simulation validity against real-world data.
  • Collaborate with external vendors, government labs, and academic partners to accelerate capability maturation.
  • Provide technical leadership in capture and proposal activities, including defining simulation architecture in white papers and program pitches.
  • Mentor and grow a team of simulation engineers, software developers, and modelers.
  • Ensure compliance with ITAR, export control, and cybersecurity requirements.
  • Typically requires a bachelor's, master's degree or PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive machine learning experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, seven or more years of experience with a master's degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent machine learning engineer experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated experience building and leading large-scale, high-fidelity simulation environments (defense, aerospace, or autonomous driving).
  • Hands-on proficiency with languages: C++, Python, Java.
  • Experience with simulation tools/frameworks: Unreal/Unity, Gazebo, Omniverse, AFSIM, STK, or similar.
  • Knowledge in physics/modeling: Aerodynamics, sensor modeling (EO/IR, radar, EW), communication and networking.
  • Experience with cloud/compute: Kubernetes, Docker, AWS/Azure GovCloud, GPU-accelerated compute.
  • Experience with visualization: Unreal Engine, Unity, Omniverse Isaac/Kit.
  • Strong background in multi-agent simulation, synthetic environments, and human-machine teaming scenarios.
  • Proven ability to deliver hands-on code and scalable architectures while leading cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Excellent communication skills and experience presenting simulation roadmaps and demonstrations to senior DoW stakeholders.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance is required (active TS/SCI strongly preferred).
  • Full-Time Salary
  • Top Secret (SCI access eligible) clearance required
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