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 have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Engineer to work with a dynamic team of engineers and designers focused on the engineering development and sustainment of ground support equipment (GSE) product solutions for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The GSE Engineering team is responsible for providing equipment and tool solutions for the following UAS lifecycle functions: installation/removal of aircraft components, assembly/disassembly of the aircraft, transportation of the aircraft and its components, and maintenance tasks. Reporting to a GSE Engineering Group Manager, the Senior Engineer will be responsible for executing a variety of engineering tasks. Members of the GSE Engineering team typically have very diverse project workloads that ensure involvement in a broad spectrum of engineering efforts.
With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude for initiating and developing designs, procedures, techniques, and solutions to advanced technical engineering problems related to GSE. The Staff Engineer serves as a consulting resource of engineering knowledge, applies the latest technological advancements to any problem, and may function in an advisory or project leadership role providing direction to experienced technical staff. The engineer communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle, and represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects, interacts with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations, and participates in the development of new or expansion of existing business. The engineer generates/reviews/approves engineering content of drawings. New hardware development projects are normally owned by the engineer throughout the Mechanical Engineering Design Controls process, from project kickoff thru production sustainment, as required. The engineer is responsible for executing, tracking and regularly reporting on relevant programmatic (e.g. cost, schedule and deliverable status).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Conceptualize and develop GSE product designs to meet a stipulated set of requirements, utilizing 3D CAD systems such as Creo Parametric and/or NX as required.
- Structurally analyze GSE products, utilizing finite element analysis methods and CAD systems such as Creo Simulate or Ansys, to ensure fitness for the required design loads.
- Perform detail design and analysis functions such as: load derivation, tolerance analysis, tipping analysis, buckling analysis, connection design (fasteners, pins, welds), galvanic compatibility analysis.
- Generate and review formal engineering documentation (drawings, memos, specifications, test procedures, reports, engineering change packages, etc.) in accordance with Mechanical Engineering Design Controls process, relevant Engineering Work Instructions, and program direction as required.
- Understand core Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and utilize on drawings when it most effectively captures design intent for practical manufacture and inspection.
- Develop and maintain mechanical engineering project planning artifacts (task lists and estimates, Gantt charts, etc.) and periodically report progress and issues.
- Direct the activities of designers/drafters; may direct the activities of less experienced professional staff.
- Make technical presentations to: Internal GSE Eng. team; internal Engineering/Technical Review Boards; internal Program Office personnel, and internal and external customers.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, and Flight Operations Facilities representatives on design/documentation of parts/assemblies/equipment.
- Support Manufacturing, Test & Quality groups regarding questions/issues related to the engineer’s part/assy throughout the manufacturing, test and acceptance processes.
- Support customer milestone events related to delivered GSE products/systems, including but not limited to: Fit checks, logistical demonstrations, and trans-mobility testing.
- Support operation of GSE engineering products or systems by evaluating and interpreting needs and problems and develop effective approaches to resolve those issues.
- Support the development and approval of operational procedures, maintenance manuals, and associated reports generated by the Product Support Engineering (PSE) group for use by the customer. Generate and document intended operational characteristics and procedures for GSE usage and disseminate to other functional engineering groups through the use of engineering memos, interface control drawings, detailed design specifications, etc.
- Troubleshoot, analyze, and recommend methods of rework/repair of GSE products/systems by utilizing best industry practice.
- Support design reviews and source inspections for GSE products custom-designed to GA-ASI specifications by a subcontractor at the supplier’s location (occasional short-duration travel may be required).
- Generate requirements and recommendations on the acquisition and use of equipment, systems, or other capital expenditures.
- Represent the organization as a prime technical contact for providing solutions to technical issues associated with specific projects.
- Occasionally travel to GA-ASI’s flight operations facilities in Gray Butte, Adelanto & El Mirage (high desert in CA) and Yuma, AZ to support product development/testing.
- Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Observe and follow all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Define individual accountability and milestones to meet project objectives.
- Conduct oneself in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner always.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
- Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, ten or more years of experience with a Master’s degree, or seven or more years of experience with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Demonstrates a detailed and 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 some experience in project leadership.
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals; the capability of representing the organization as a prime technical contact; and, the ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
- Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work on self-initiated basis or in a team environment; ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
- Working knowledge of weldment design per ANSI AWS D17.1, human engineering design per MIL-STD-1472, and environmental engineering considerations per MIL-STD-810 are desirable.
- An active Department of Defense clearance is desirable.
