About General Atomics
What is General Atomics?
General Atomics (GA) is a privately-held US defense and diversified technology company headquartered in San Diego, California. Major business lines include the MQ-9 Reaper / Predator uncrewed aircraft systems (via General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. — GA-ASI), fusion / nuclear energy research (DIII-D National Fusion Facility), electromagnetic systems for naval applications, advanced materials, and satellite technology. Founded in 1955.
Where will I work?
Major US sites include San Diego CA (HQ + most engineering), Poway CA (GA-ASI aircraft production), Tupelo MS, Niagara Falls NY, and additional locations. Most engineering and operations roles are site-based or hybrid due to classified programmes and security clearance requirements. Some corporate / IT roles offer remote arrangements.
What is the General Atomics team like?
~14,000 engineers, scientists, technicians and support staff across the GA family of companies (GA, GA-ASI, GA-EMS, GA Synopsys Energy etc.). Heavy concentration in aerospace / mechanical / electrical / software engineering for defense, plus physicists and nuclear scientists for the fusion programme.
Work-Life Balance
General Atomics offers the 9/80 schedule as an opt-in benefit. Verbatim from a testimonial by Jarrett S. (Sr. Talent Acquisition Specialist) on their military careers page: "the 9/80 schedule allows me to go camping or fishing with my family on the Fridays I have off."
Under 9/80, employees work nine 9-hour days plus one 8-hour day across a two-week pay period, getting every other Friday off. This is widely adopted across GA's engineering programmes — confirmed in multiple Glassdoor reviews as a meaningful work-life-balance benefit.
Perks and Benefits
- 9/80 schedule — opt-in, every other Friday off (verified on ga.com/careers/military).
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Pension plan (defined benefit) — relatively rare in modern US tech employers.
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Paid time off + paid holidays.
- Legal services insurance plan.
- Recreation facilities at major sites.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Department of Defense security clearance sponsorship for cleared programmes.
How to Apply
Apply via the General Atomics careers portal at ga-careers.com (powered by IBM Brassring). Most engineering / defense roles require US citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.
Jobs from General Atomics' Brassring careers portal are automatically imported to 4dayweek.io via a JS-rendered scraper. Browse current openings on the company page above or apply directly via the GA careers portal.