Fabricator / Tube Bender

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a CNC tube bending technician for second shift (2:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.) in Poway, CA.

You will program, set up and operate CNC tube bending equipment to produce precision tubing from engineering drawings, performing first-piece and in-process inspections with a Romer arm. The role requires reading blueprints, adjusting tooling and programs for material characteristics, and ensuring dimensional accuracy, quality and production efficiency.

Qualifications

• Requires an associate's degree or technical/trade training and 3+ years in fabrication.
• Must read and interpret blueprints and drawings to perform bending and assembly tasks.
• Able to weld to close tolerances and use measuring tools accurately.
• Independent judgment and problem-solving for fabrication challenges.

Responsibilities

• Program and modify CNC tube bending operations per drawings and specs.
• Set up and operate CNC bending equipment with appropriate tooling.
• Adjust parameters to account for material properties and springback to meet tolerances.
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections with measuring arms and tools.
• Maintain records for traceability and process controls.
• Troubleshoot quality issues and perform basic maintenance on equipment.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Independent judgment

Interpersonal skills

Team work

Welding to close tolerances

Education

Associate degree or technical/trade training

Tools

Romer measuring arm

CNC tube bending equipment

Measuring 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. Under general direction, this position is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC tube bending equipment to produce precision-formed tubing in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications. Responsibilities include: saw cutting tube material to required lengths, developing setups and fixtures for tube-end finishing and dimensional inspection, and performing first-piece and in-process inspections using a Romer measuring arm. Work requires independent adjustment of programs and machine setups to maintain dimensional accuracy, quality, and production efficiency. This position works Second Shift: 2:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. with a 9x80 Schedule.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Programs and modifies CNC tube bending operations from engineering drawings and specifications, establishing bend angles, rotations, lengths, and sequences to meet part requirements.
• Sets up and independently operates CNC tube bending equipment, selecting and installing appropriate tooling and verifying machine and program setups prior to production.
• Adjusts bending parameters, tooling, and programs to account for material characteristics and spring back, producing repeatable bends within specified tolerances.
• Measures and saw cuts tubing to specified lengths, verifying material identification, blank dimensions, and cut quality before further processing.
• Interprets engineering drawings, work instructions, and dimensional tolerances to determine bending, cutting, inspection, and tube-end finishing requirements.
• Performs first-piece and in-process inspections using a Romer portable measuring arm and conventional measuring tools to verify bend geometry, part dimensions, and conformity to specifications.
• Develops and sets up fixtures, supports, and locating methods to hold formed tubing accurately and repeatably for dimensional inspection and tube-end finishing operations.
• Sets up and performs tube-end trimming, cutting, deburring, and finishing operations to achieve required lengths, profiles, and fit-up conditions.
• Troubleshoots dimensional or cutting-quality issues, makes necessary setup and program adjustments, and identifies nonconforming material in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains accurate work order, setup, program, and inspection records to support part identification, configuration control, and traceability.
• Performs operator-level preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on CNC tube benders, saws, measuring equipment, and related tooling to maintain safe and reliable operation.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

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 an associate's degree, technical/trade school training or equivalent and three or more years experience in fabrication. Additional experience may be substituted for formal education.
• Knowledge of computer operations and applications required. Must be able to read and comprehend blueprints, engineering drawings, sketches and verbal and written communications to accomplish the job at hand.
• Must have the capability to perform complex assignments with little or no direction. Required to utilize independent judgment related to fabrication functions and activities. Able to weld to close tolerances.
• Must possess working knowledge of AN and MS fasteners, AN plumbing and aircraft riveting tools and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of the position is required to ascertain problem situations and to recommend practical solutions to complex issue related to fabrication.
• Must be able to work independently or on a team providing solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Possesses good interpersonal skills, and verbal and written communication skills to interface with various levels of employees while performing fabrication functions.
• Ability to work in a team in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours as required.

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly
Salary range: 59,000 - 94,625