Fiber Process Development Engineer

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics (GA) Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking a Fiber Process Development Engineer to join the Nuclear Technologies and Materials Division in Rancho Bernardo, California. This hands-on role will advance a fiber spinning process for nuclear energy and aerospace applications, leading design and testing of fiber-processing equipment and coordinating with vendors.

The engineer will execute laboratory trials, translate results into scalable manufacturing processes, and provide

Qualifications

• Six or more years of engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree, four or more years with a master’s, or two or more years with a PhD.
• Experience with fiber spinning, fiber processing, polymer processing, extrusion, or related manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing or modifying mechanical/electromechanical equipment for fiber production.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; ability to work independently and on multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in fiber spinning, processing, and related fiber technologies.
• Lead efforts to develop, improve, and optimize fiber-spinning and processing operations.
• Design, specify, evaluate, and modify equipment used in fiber production and handling.
• Plan and analyze laboratory-scale process trials to improve capability, quality, yield, and repeatability.
• Develop process conditions, procedures, and control methods for new and existing equipment.
• Document findings in engineering reports and present results to stakeholders.

Skills

Fiber spinning

Polymer processing

Process development

Equipment design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Job Summary

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.

Job Summary

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. 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 supports critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We have an exciting opportunity for a Fiber Process Development Engineer to join our Nuclear Technologies and Materials Division in Rancho Bernardo, California. This hands-on technical role will support the development, improvement, and scale-up of an advanced fiber spinning process for materials used in nuclear energy and aerospace applications. The successful candidate will apply expertise in fiber spinning, polymer processing, continuous-fiber handling, and equipment development to advance process capability, product consistency, and manufacturing readiness. The Engineer will lead process-development efforts; design, specify, and modify fiber-processing equipment; coordinate with external equipment vendors; execute laboratory-scale trials; and translate technical results into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes. This is an individual-contributor role with technical leadership responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical leadership in fiber spinning, fiber processing, polymer processing, and continuous-fiber handling to advance the organization’s fiber technology.
• Lead engineering efforts to develop, improve, and optimize fiber spinning and associated fiber-processing operations.
• Design, specify, evaluate, and modify mechanical and electromechanical equipment used in fiber production and handling.
• Plan, execute, and analyze laboratory-scale process trials to establish and improve process capability, product quality, yield, and repeatability.
• Develop and implement process conditions, operating procedures, and control methods for new and existing equipment.
• Develop, perform, and refine analytical and test methods to characterize polymer precursors, in-process materials, and finished fiber products.
• Develop equipment requirements and technical specifications; support vendor selection; and provide technical oversight of vendor-designed and fabricated equipment.
• Ensure laboratory and equipment readiness through equipment qualification, test-method development, data-quality oversight, and maintenance of technical documentation.
• Document and communicate findings through engineering reports, process documentation, technical summaries, and presentations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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 in textile engineering, materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, composite engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Relevant engineering, manufacturing, or process-development experience in fiber spinning, fiber processing, polymer processing, extrusion, continuous-material handling, or related technical manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, operating, or modifying mechanical and electromechanical equipment used in fiber manufacturing or continuous-material processing.
• Experience developing and refining process conditions to achieve product-performance, quality, yield, and reliability objectives.
• Experience troubleshooting complex process, material, and equipment issues in a laboratory, pilot-scale, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with external equipment vendors to define requirements, review designs, support fabrication, and oversee installation, commissioning, or acceptance testing.
• Experience with analytical, physical, and mechanical test methods applicable to polymer precursors, intermediate materials, and finished products.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop test plans, analyze data, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts and results to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in carbon fiber, ceramic fiber, technical fiber, textile fiber, glass fiber, or other continuous-filament manufacturing processes is preferred.
• Experience with fiber transport, handling, winding, unwinding, coating, finishing, or related process equipment.
• Experience with high-temperature materials, advanced composites, or other specialty materials.
• Experience transitioning processes or equipment from laboratory development to pilot-scale or production environments

Job Type: Full-Time Salary Salary range: 99,500 - 170,750