Materials and Process Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA, seeks a Materials and Process Engineer to advance development and production of advanced composite solutions for next-generation air vehicle designs.

You’ll lead and support process development, qualification plans, and specifications across multiple programs. This role requires a technical engineering degree and experience with carbon composites, RTM, autoclave curing, and production integration, with strong communication and teamwork

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline with progressive experience.
• Strong technical expertise in engineering principles, planning, and leadership to meet milestones.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt in evolving environments, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate alternative composite materials and processes through trade studies and coupon testing.
• Lead process development activities to support new programs and manufacturing objectives.
• Support development of advanced composite hardware and vehicle designs.
• Assist in new business development and proposal activities.
• Use process simulation tools to optimize cure processes.
• Develop and maintain material and process specifications with Manufacturing and Vendors.
• Support materials-related investigations to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Create composite material qualification plans, including fabrication and testing plans.
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives to reduce production cost and improve quality.

Skills

Composite materials

Process development

Materials testing

Education

Engineering degree (B.S./M.S./Ph.D.)

Tools

Process simulation 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. 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 to deliver advanced composite solutions to Legacy aircraft programs and next generation programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate alternative composite materials and processes that improve properties by performing trade studies, manufacturing trials and coupon testing.
• Lead process development activities through a demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging manufacturing/process techniques to support objectives of new programs.
• Support the development of advanced composite hardware and vehicle designs.
• Support new business development and proposal activities.
• Utilize process simulation tools to develop new or optimized process cure processes.
• Develop and maintain material and process specifications through collaboration with Manufacturing and Vendors to guide engineers in selecting appropriate materials by drawing from military standards, industry standards and material engineering experience.
• Support manufacturing with materials related failure investigations to determine root cause and corrective actions by the inspection, analysis and testing of parts.
• Develop and execute composite material qualification plans, including fabrication and testing plans.
• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives and provide support to sustaining manufacturing of production hardware to improve the quality and reduce cost of production.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• 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.
• 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; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. 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

• Good understanding of carbon composites, core, adhesives, lamination and processing of composites.
• Experience with composite aircraft components and assemblies.
• Experience with Material Review Board and dispositioning material related to non-conformances.
• Familiarity with Federal Aviation Requirements (FAR), CMH-17, ASTM testing and MIL-HDBK-516
• Familiarity with processing of composite materials including RTM, Autoclave cure and Out of Autoclave cure materials.
• Familiarity with adhesives for composite and metallic bonding
• Familiarity with common aerospace core materials along with processing of the core materials.
• Experience with transition of materials and processes from R&D into production

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650