Materials and Process Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Adelanto (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a Materials and Process Engineer to advance composite solutions for legacy and next‑gen air vehicles.

You will support daily operations of a team of engineers and a Materials Test Lab, delivering advanced materials and process improvements for production and development programs. The role emphasizes collaboration with suppliers, process development, and adherence to safety and compliance standards, with DoD clearance requirements a key

Qualifications

• Requires engineering degree and extensive experience in materials and processes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in development and production environments.
• Knowledge of DoD security requirements and program execution.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical interface to material suppliers and industry partners.
• Lead process development to support new programs and producibility.
• Provide M&P support to airframe design programs and influence engineering releases.
• Develop and maintain material and process specifications with Manufacturing and Vendors.
• Investigate material-related failures and determine root causes.

Skills

Project leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

DoD security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Material testing equipment

Quality systems knowledge

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. GA’s Advanced Aircraft Engineering group has an exciting position available for a Materials and Process Engineer to support a team in the development and production implementation of materials and processes to meet the needs of next generation air vehicle designs. This position is responsible for supporting the daily operations of a team of Material and Process Engineers and a Materials Test Lab to deliver advanced composite solutions to Legacy aircraft programs and next generation programs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the technical interface to material suppliers and industry partners to meet current and future product needs
• Lead process development activities through demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging manufacturing/process techniques to support objectives of new programs
• Provide M&P support to airframe design programs to influence the producibility and maturity of initial engineering release.
• Provide support to material characterization and process development efforts and produce the required report and specification deliverables.
• Develop and maintain material and process specifications through collaboration with Manufacturing and Vendors
• Support manufacturing with materials related failure investigations to determine root cause and corrective actions by inspection, analysis and testing of parts,
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives and provide support to sustaining manufacturing of production hardware to improve the quality and reduce cost of production.
• Provide mentoring to a growing team of talented engineers
• Ensure compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures
• Perform other duties as 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 a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates an extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of carbon composites, adhesives, lamination and processing of composites.
• Familiarity with sealants, primers and coatings.
• Experience with composite assembly.
• Experience with Material Review Board and dispositioning material related non-conformances.
• Experience with transition of materials and processes from R&D into production.
• Familiarity with Federal Aviation Requirements (FAR), CMH-17, ASTM testing and MIL-HDBK-516

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 118,500 - 207,750