Airframe Design Lead — Advanced Aircraft Structures

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks an Airframe Design Supervisor to lead a small design team and own development of primary/secondary aircraft structures using metal and composite materials.

The role interfaces with IPTs and multiple departments from concept to production, emphasizing DFM/DFC trade-offs and compliant documentation. The position is on-site in California with a flexible 9/80 schedule and opportunities for professional growth; a DoD Secret Clearance is

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor/master/PhD in engineering from an accredited institution with progressive engineering experience (12+ years with a Bachelors, 10+ with a Masters, or 7+ with a PhD).
• Proven experience designing composite or metal aircraft/spacecraft structures.
• Track record of bringing airframe/spacecraft/aircraft structures into manufactured products.
• Experience with fast-paced aircraft design and product sustainment is preferred.
• Ability to document, trade, and communicate pro/cons of structural designs (DFM/DFC).
• Proficiency with CREO and NX CAD Modeling and drawing or Model Based Definition (MBD).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a design team of ~3–5 engineers to sustain the production line and approve airframe changes.
• Own development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts, assemblies, and installations using metal, composites.
• Coordinate with IPT, Program, Project, Manufacturing, Quality, and Stress departments to mature projects from concept to production.
• Prepare engineering design solutions and Product Definition Packages within an IPT environment.
• Mentor and develop staff; support management with performance planning and execution.
• Work on-site in California at product manufacturing and integration sites; flexible work arrangements possible.

Skills

Airframe design

Engineering leadership

Product sustainment

DFM/DFC

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in engineering

Tools

CREO

NX CAD

MBD

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks an Airframe Design Supervisor to lead a small design team and own development of primary/secondary aircraft structures using metal and composite materials.

The role interfaces with IPTs and multiple departments from concept to production, emphasizing DFM/DFC trade-offs and compliant documentation. The position is on-site in California with a flexible 9/80 schedule and opportunities for professional growth; a DoD Secret Clearance is