Engineer VII

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support ALRE sustainment on advanced carrier systems. You will lead mechanical sustainment, manage design changes, and perform structural/thermal analyses to ensure reliability in maritime environments.

The role requires extensive aerospace/DoD experience, hands-on DFx, GD&T mastery, and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program teams. Onsite work with potential travel.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree (13+ with a master’s, 10+ with a PhD).
• Senior-level aerospace/defense/DoD program experience; lead projects or work packages.
• Strong GD&T experience per ASME standards and hands-on DFx/sustainment experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical sustainment for fielded systems, including design changes and reliability improvements.
• Perform structural, thermal, shock/vibration, tolerance stack-up, and corrosion analyses; generate technical reports.
• Mentor mid-level and junior engineers and support DoD proposals with BOEs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

NX

FEA tools (ANSYS/NASTRAN)

Job description

56302BR

Company:

General Atomics

Job Summary:

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) sustainment team, supporting advanced aircraft carrier systems. This senior technical role focuses on fielded aerospace/defense systems, especially energy absorption systems used to safely decelerate aircraft in demanding maritime environments.

You will lead mechanical sustainment and design-for-manufacturing efforts, perform advanced analysis (structural, thermal, shock/vibration, tolerance, corrosion), ensure compliance with maritime MIL-STD requirements, and drive reliability and safety (including FMEA). The role also includes BOE development for DoD proposals, QN resolution, and mentoring mid-level and junior engineers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead mechanical sustainment for fielded systems, including design changes, obsolescence resolution, reliability improvements, and corrosion-related corrective actions.
• Perform and review structural, thermal, shock/vibration, tolerance stack-up, and corrosion-related analyses; prepare clear technical reports and documentation.
• Apply and review GD&T per ASME standards; approve drawings and guide design-for-manufacturing and corrosion-resistant design.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, vendors, and customers) to resolve design and production issues and ensure effective execution.
• Support test activities and troubleshoot mechanical, environmental, and system-level issues at test sites.
• Develop procurement specifications, SOWs, and technical content for proposals; provide technical input to procurement decisions.
• Develop BOEs for DoD proposals using bottom-up, analogy, and parametric methods; support proposal and planning efforts.
• Plan and manage engineering work packages, tracking scope, schedule, and cost; maintain favorable CPI/SPI and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Apply reliability and safety engineering practices, including FMEA and other risk assessment methods.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to mid-level and junior engineers.

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

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with progressive engineering experience (typically 15+ years with a bachelor’s, 13+ with a master’s, or 10+ with a PhD). Equivalent engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of formal education.
• Senior-level mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or DoD programs, including leading projects or work packages and serving as a prime technical contact.
• Strong expertise in structural, thermal, shock/vibration, and tolerance stack-up analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Extensive, practical GD&T experience per ASME standards, including reviewing and approving complex drawings.
• Hands-on design-for-manufacturing and sustainment experience; energy absorption/arresting systems experience preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX) and strong Excel skills.
• Experience with sustainment engineering, configuration control, change management (CRs, ECNs/ECOs), and closing QNs; ability to update drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Corrosion engineering experience in maritime/marine environments (shipboard, coastal, salt-spray) and familiarity with relevant maritime MIL-STD requirements.
• Experience planning and managing engineering tasks, including scope, schedule, and cost control; familiarity with CPI/SPI metrics.
• Experience with BOE development and DoD/government proposals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work independently and in teams, with willingness to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Experience Level:

Senior (8+ years)

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

No

Workstyle:

Onsite

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.

Job ID#:

56302BR

Job Category:

Engineering

Travel Percentage Required:

0% - 25%

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Salary

State:

California

Pay Range Low:

128,130

City:

San Diego

Clearance Required?:

No

Pay Range High:

229,358

Recruitment Posting Title:

Senior Mechanical Engineer