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) in Poway, CA, seeks an experienced Electrical Engineer to support manufacturing systems for complex aerospace equipment.

Under general supervision, you will study production processes, design electrical infrastructure, and lead improvements across PLCs, HMIs, and power distribution. A DoD clearance is required; a Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and ability to plan and schedule.
• Must be able to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Study existing production processes to fix bottlenecks and reduce costs.
• Plan factory layouts and select equipment for new product lines.
• Create SOPs, maintenance and work instructions.
• Provide manufacturing engineering support for installation and integration of equipment.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and documentation.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Technical communication

Reading drawings

DoD clearance

Education

Engineering degree (Bachelor or higher)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI controls

Electrical schematics tools

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