FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 17, 2010
Company Takes Third Place for Technological Challenge and Valuing the Individual Among U.S. Aerospace and Defense Companies
SAN DIEGO – 17 August 2010 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical reconnaissance radars, and surveillance systems today announced that the company has been ranked as one of the top employers for “Technological Challenge” and “Valuing the Individual” in AVIATION WEEK’s 2010 Workforce Study. The annual study, which represents 78 percent of U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) workers, takes an industry-wide look at the current state-of-the-A&D workforce, with responses to specific questions resulting in an assessment of how companies are meeting employees’ basic requirements in several key categories.
“Advanced technology and quick reaction to our soldiers’ needs have always been GA-ASI’s hallmarks, and we have been very fortunate to attract and retain highly talented and dynamic professionals whose impressive and continuing innovations have expanded the capabilities of our aircraft, sensors, and related systems in support of the war fighter,” said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. “We place great value on our workforce and take pride in this industry-wide ranking by AVIATION WEEK.”
GA-ASI tied with another industry leader for third-place in the category of Technological Challenge, which assesses a company’s ability to challenge its employees with technological innovation and to provide an environment that supports technological accomplishment. Factors evaluated include technology degrees held by leadership, organic R&D investment, patents awarded, investment in technology/design tools, innovation process, and workforce involvement in R&D and engineering/technology.
The company also tied with two other industry leaders for third-place in the category of Valuing the Individual, which evaluates the ability to make individuals feel valued by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the organization’s efforts and by showing them respect within the organization. Factors evaluated include career opportunities, the ability to learn, benefits package, and how many employees chose to stay or leave.
“GA-ASI has consistently been a player on this list for both the technological challenge it offers its employees and for valuing the individual,” said Carole Rickard Hedden, project leader of AVIATION WEEK’s 2010 Workforce Survey. “The organization has a long record of assuring a small-community feel, despite dramatic growth in recent years, and this is something that is highly valued by those who are leading innovation in this industry.”
Over the past seven years, GA-ASI had been ranked as a top employer in multiple survey categories, including Valuing People (2nd place, 2006; 3rd place, 2005), Technological Challenge (7th place, 2009; 4th place, 2006; 6th place, 2005; 3rd place, 2004), and Diversity (2nd place, 2005).
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing unmanned aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable unmanned aircraft systems, including Predator® A, Predator B, Sky Warrior®, and the new Predator C Avenger®. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital Ground Control Stations (GCSs), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® SAR/GMTI radar and sophisticated Claw® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and unmanned aircraft. It also integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications.
For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
Predator, Sky Warrior, Avenger, Lynx, and Claw are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com