Engineering Designer III

General Atomics and Affiliated Companies; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics and Affiliated Companies is seeking a senior CAD designer to lead design solutions for structural components and assemblies used in high‑tech aerospace and defense platforms. You will develop layouts, sketches, and drawings with CAD systems, while guiding junior staff and ensuring compliance with ASME Y14.5 and customer specifications.

The role emphasizes independent work, cross‑functional collaboration, and maintaining design documentation.

Qualifications

• Typically requires an Associates degree or a certificate in ProEngineer, Solidworks or NX with 13+ years of CAD experience.
• Must understand engineering design concepts and ASME Y14.5 drawing principles.
• Ability to coordinate work phases and provide solutions to complex problems.
• Strong communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide design solutions for assigned structural products and components.
• Lead design efforts for medium projects and coordinate with engineering staff.
• Create layouts, sketches, and drawings for devices, mechanisms, and structures.
• Mentor less experienced designers and ensure CAD standards compliance.
• Maintain currency in CAD techniques, ASME Y14.5, and design software tools.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Documentation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate degree/certificate in CAD or engineering

Tools

ProEngineer

SolidWorks

NX

ASME Y14.5

Job description

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

The Optical Sensors Systems group within General Atomics - Electromagnetic Systems Group is developing the next‑generation, state‑of‑the‑art Electro‑Optical/Infrared Sensor Systems to help defend our national interests and support critical commercial enterprises worldwide.

This position is responsible for providing technical solutions for a variety of design problems of moderate scope and complexity as well as leading the development of effective design solutions for major components or major portions of a functional system. Lead the development or improvement of products which facilitate manufacturing operations utilizing computer‑aided design (CAD) equipment and technical engineering software applications. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at project completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Develops layouts, sketches and drawings of a variety of assemblies and details parts of devices, mechanisms, and structures. May investigate pertinent design factors such as ease of manufacture, availability of materials and equipment, interchangeability, ease of replacement, strength‑weight efficiency, and contractual specification requirements and cost. Validates conformity to design standards and specifications and identifies design errors and other deficiencies, and recommends changes. Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff and other affected organizations, and may make technical design presentations as required. May coordinate segments of a specific project has frequent intra‑organisational contact and may have some customer contact. May provide direction to less experienced designers and support staff.

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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership in developing design solutions for assigned structural products and components.
• Interacts with engineering staff on design concepts and progress.
• May be assigned design responsibility for a small to medium size project or program or a significant portion of a major project or program.
• Provides documentation, identifies design issues, and makes technical design presentations to engineering staff and customers as required.
• May direct the activities of less experienced designers and support staff.
• Maintains a currency in CAD techniques, ASME Y14.5 drawing principles as well as applicable state of the art engineering design software applications.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. Additional Functions Other duties as assigned or required.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires an Associates degree or a certificate from a recognized organization indicating completion of training in ProEngineer, Solidworks or NX design software plus thirteen or more years of progressive experience utilizing CAD software with at least five of those years spent utilizing ProEngineer, Solidworks, NX or related engineering design software. Additional education may be substituted in lieu of work experience.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering design concepts and drawing principles, including ASME Y14.5 and demonstrate a high skill level using one or more technical engineering software applications.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Must be able to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases and provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have good communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and excellent computer skills.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team and able to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Must have the ability to perform complex engineering design tasks while providing direction to less experienced design staff. Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to assess and apply geometric tolerances in complex and ultra‑high precision hardware assemblies.
• Design experience packaging and documenting products containing optical elements, electronics and structures for extreme space and airborne environments.
• Ability to research data that is required to develop designs using historical precedents, manufacturer's catalogues, and technical guides. Successfully combines findings with preliminary information to contribute to developing final design solutions.
• Familiarity with military and aerospace specifications for materials, finishes and fasteners.
• High proficiency in SolidWorks 3D CAD, data management tools and techniques, and revision control practices strongly preferred.