Aeroelasticity and Dynamics Supervisor

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Poway, CA, seeks an Aeroelasticity and Dynamics Engineering Supervisor to lead a team focused on aeroelastic stability and dynamic response of unmanned systems.

You will oversee analyses from concept through flight test, ensuring performance and safety across lifecycles. The role requires advanced degrees and extensive aeroelastic experience, with responsibilities spanning modeling, validation, testing coordination, and collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or related technical field with progressive experience.
• Broad application of engineering concepts and ability to adapt to evolving environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of aeroelasticity and dynamics engineers with direction, mentoring, and career guidance.

Skills

Aeroelastic analysis

Team leadership

FEM/NASTRAN

MATLAB & scripting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

FEMAP

NASTRAN

MATLAB

ZAERO

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.

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.
We have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aeroelasticity and Dynamics Engineering Supervisor position within our Airframe Integrity Group located in Poway, CA. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Loads and Dynamics Engineering and will focus on overseeing and leading a team of engineers in planning and executing efforts towards the analysis, prediction, and validation of the air vehicle structural dynamics and aeroelastic stability of GA-ASI unmanned aircraft systems and related products. This role ensures that aircraft and payload configurations meet aeroelastic, aeroservoelastic, and dynamic response requirements across the product lifecycle, from early concept development through flight test and sustainment.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and develop a team of aeroelasticity and dynamics engineers, providing technical direction, mentoring, performance feedback, and career development guidance.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate team workloads to meet program cost, schedule, and technical objectives in alignment with the Senior Manager of Loads and Dynamics and company objectives.
• Oversee the development and application of structural dynamic, aeroelastic, and aeroservoelastic models using finite element models (FEM), aerodynamic panel models, spline definitions, and flight control stability augmentation system for use in integrated aeroelastic simulations.
• Guide the execution and review of static and dynamic aeroelastic analyses, modal analyses, and stability assessments to support structural design, flight controls, and certification activities.
• Ensure proper integration of aeroelasticity and dynamics analyses with adjacent disciplines, including structures, flight controls, systems engineering, test, and airworthiness/certification.
• Support the definition of test requirements and correlation of analytical models with ground and flight test data, including modal surveys, ground vibration test, vibration tests, and flutter flight testing.
• Establish, maintain, and improve analysis methods, tools, and best practices for aeroelasticity and dynamics, promoting standardization and quality across programs.
• Provide technical leadership and sign-off for key engineering deliverables, including reports, flutter clearances, dynamic response assessments, and design recommendations.
• Participate in and lead technical reviews (PDR, CDR, safety reviews, etc.), presenting analysis results, risks, and mitigation plans to internal leadership and external customers as required.
• Identify technical risks related to aeroelastic and dynamic behavior, develop mitigation strategies, and support trade studies that balance performance, weight, cost, and safety.
• Collaborate with program management, chief engineers, and other functional leaders to ensure that aeroelasticity and dynamics considerations are incorporated into program plans and milestones.
• Support proposals and new business activities by defining scope, estimating effort, and developing technical content related to loads, aeroelasticity, and dynamics.

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; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; capable of expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and able to apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Experience with FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, ZAERO, or any aeroelastic codes preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505