Advanced Programs Mechanisms Project Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is seeking a hands-on engineer to own mechanisms from concept to flight. You will lead the design and development of deployable mechanisms for advanced air vehicles and drive rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration to meet demanding performance goals.

The role requires experience in kinematics, dynamics, and verification, with collaboration across structures, avionics, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration into the vehicle architecture.

Qualifications

• Requires degree and progressive engineering experience as specified.
• Strong understanding of engineering concepts, codes, and theory.
• Ability to communicate new concepts and coordinate work phases.
• Professional Engineering License desirable.
• Willing to work extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanisms from concept to flight.
• Lead design and development of mechanical systems for air vehicles.
• Design, prototype, test, and iterate.
• Define margins and manage integration into vehicle architecture.
• Guide analyses and establish verification strategies.
• Collaborate with structures, avionics, and manufacturing.

Skills

Builder mindset

Curious and inventive

Risk tolerance

Iteration

Rapid change adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Job description

Job Summary

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.

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. This is a fast-paced, hands-on engineering role where ideas move quickly from concept to hardware. You won’t just manage mechanism designs, you’ll create them, test them, break them, and make them better. If you want to work on cutting-edge aircraft, solve hard problems, and see your designs fly, this is your environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Own Mechanisms from Concept to Flight
  • Lead the design and development of critical mechanical systems and deployable mechanisms for advanced air vehicles
  • Architect solutions for:
    • Deployment and release systems
    • Actuation (electromechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic)
    • Hinges, latches, locks, and separation systems
    • Gimbals, pointing systems, and motion control hardware
• Invent, Prototype, Test, Repeat
  • Develop new approaches to solve complex, unconventional engineering challenges
  • Design and execute test campaigns—ground and flight—to validate performance
  • Rapidly iterate designs based on real-world data
• Drive Vehicle-Level Impact
  • Make key tradeoffs across weight, performance, reliability, cost, and mission effectiveness
  • Define and manage mechanism performance margins (force, torque, stiffness, life)
  • Ensure designs integrate seamlessly into overall vehicle architecture
• Lead Technical Execution
  • Guide analysis efforts (kinematics, dynamics, structural, fatigue, thermal)
  • Establish design standards, best practices, and verification strategies
  • Serve as the technical authority for mechanisms across multiple programs
  • Understand technical risks and develop creative approached to mitigating them
• Work at Speed
  • Operate in a rapid development environment with evolving requirements
  • Prioritize and execute across multiple concurrent efforts
  • Turn high-level concepts into executable designs and hardware quickly
• Collaborate Across the Ecosystem
  • Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including structures, avionics, flight controls, manufacturing
  • Interface with suppliers to develop, evaluate, and deliver hardware
  • Coordinate technical topics at customer reviews including SRR-PDR-CDR-TRR
  • Support proposal efforts, white papers, and next-generation program capture

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and, lead a team of moderately experienced professional employees on single component projects.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License and original work published in professional engineering journals are desirable.

Desired Skills

• Builder mindset
• Curious and inventive
• Comfortable with risk, iteration, and rapid change
• Motivated by seeing hardware fly and systems work

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398