Electrical/Mechanical - Systems Project Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and surveillance systems. This role develops approaches to solve complex engineering problems, with frequent stakeholder contact and guidance to staff.

You''ll support electrical systems for production equipment and drive continuous improvement on the manufacturing floor. The position requires advanced engineering education and the ability to obtain a DoD clearance, with extensive collaboration

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor''s, master''s, or PhD in engineering or related field.
• Four+ years with a bachelor''s or two+ years with a master''s, progressive experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, planning and scheduling.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical/electrical drawings.
• Ability to direct system-level design via interconnects and documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Study production processes to fix bottlenecks, reduce scrap and costs.
• Plan factory layouts and equipment for new product lines.
• Create SOPs, maintenance and work instructions.
• Provide manufacturing engineering support for equipment installation and operation.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and layouts.
• Support electrical systems for production equipment and controls.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and equipment on the factory floor.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Integrate PLCs, HMIs, VFDs and sensors for automation.
• Support commissioning, startup, qualification and acceptance testing.
• Collaborate with production teams, vendors and contractors to resolve issues.
• Develop manufacturing processes and technical documentation for safe production.
• Analyze failures to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Design electrical infrastructure and power distribution improvements.
• Perform equipment safety, reliability and maintainability assessments.
• Coordinate with manufacturers to resolve technical issues and ensure compliance.
• Produce and maintain engineering documentation and change controls.
• Follow electrical codes and safety standards in designs and modifications.
• Use test equipment, PLC software and engineering analysis to resolve problems.
• Lead continuous improvement for uptime, cycle time, quality, safety.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Reading drawings

System-level design

Education

Bachelor''s degree in engineering

Master''s degree

PhD

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI controls

Electrical test equipment

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. Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult engineering problems. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff and makes technical presentations as required. May coordinate segments of a specific project and may have frequent inter- organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues. Provides direction to design or technical staff and may provide direction to less experienced professional staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Studying existing production processes to fix bottlenecks, reduce scrap, and lower production costs.
• Planning factory layouts and selecting the right equipment for new product lines.
• Creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance and work instructions.
• Provide manufacturing engineering support for the installation, integration, operation, and continuous improvement of complex industrial and electrical manufacturing equipment.
• Develop, review, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, power distribution drawings, equipment layouts, and manufacturing documentation.
• Support the design and implementation of electrical systems for production equipment, including power distribution, control panels, motors, drives, sensors, instrumentation, and machine interfaces.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and equipment issues on the manufacturing floor using electrical drawings, schematics, PLC diagnostics, test equipment, and systematic root-cause analysis.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC systems and associated HMI controls to improve equipment functionality, reliability, and manufacturing processes.
• Integrate and troubleshoot industrial control components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, mass flow controllers, sensors, interlocks, power supplies, and other automated equipment.
• Support the commissioning, startup, qualification, and acceptance testing of new and modified manufacturing equipment.
• Work directly with manufacturing personnel, technicians, engineers, vendors, and contractors to resolve equipment and process issues.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, work instructions, equipment procedures, and technical documentation to support safe and repeatable production operations.
• Analyze equipment failures, production interruptions, and recurring process issues to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Assist with the design and modification of electrical infrastructure, including power distribution, panelboards, disconnects, control circuits, grounding, and equipment connections.
• Perform electrical and equipment assessments to identify opportunities for improved safety, reliability, maintainability, and production efficiency.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers and engineering teams to resolve technical issues, interpret equipment documentation, and ensure systems meet manufacturing requirements.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation including electrical drawings, schematics, bills of materials, equipment specifications, commissioning documentation, and change documentation.
• Apply applicable electrical codes, engineering standards, safety requirements, and company procedures when designing, modifying, and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment.
• Utilize electrical test equipment, diagnostic tools, PLC software, and engineering analysis to identify and resolve complex equipment and manufacturing problems.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment uptime, process capability, cycle time, quality, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and provide hands‑on engineering support to production teams, with an emphasis on rapid troubleshooting and permanent corrective solutions.

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; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates a broad understanding of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, and schedule.
• Must be able to understand and apply new concepts quickly in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Must have strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments.
• Must have ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.
• Must have ability to direct system‑level design through interconnects and interface control documentation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650