GA-ASI Cited as Top Employer for Technological Challenge
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-optic surveillance systems, today announced that the company has been ranked as one of the top employers for “Technological Challenge” in Aviation Week’s 2012 Workforce Study.
“At a time when most companies are feeling the effects of today’s budget-constrained environment, we have been fortunate to continue to attract and retain highly talented, inspired workers,” said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, GA-ASI. “The impressive innovations of our nearly 6,000 employees are fueling an expansion in capabilities of our aircraft, sensors, and related systems for customers both here and abroad.”
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, workforce involvement in R&D and engineering/technology, and revenue generated from products developed in the past five years.
“Once again, GA-ASI has proven its leadership in providing a technologically challenging and rewarding environment for employees,” said Carole Rickard Hedden, project leader of Aviation Week’s 2012 Workforce Survey. “The organization ranks among the industry’s leaders in terms of providing an environment where innovators are supported and have the ability to contribute in a meaningful way–the hallmarks of companies that will continue to succeed in this challenging environment.”
The annual study, which represents 80 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. Over the past nine years, GA-ASI had been ranked as a top employer in multiple survey categories, including Valuing the Individual (2nd place, 2011; 3rd place, 2010; 2nd place, 2006; 3rd place, 2005), Technological Challenge (3rd place, 2010; 7th place, 2009; 4th place, 2006; 6th place, 2005; 3rd place, 2004), and Diversity (2nd place, 2005).
