Materials Lab Technician

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in remotely piloted aircraft and surveillance systems, seeking a Materials Lab Technician in San Diego.

The role involves fabricating composite panels, operating lab equipment, and performing material testing with a focus on quality and data integrity. The position requires an associate’s degree or equivalent with extensive hands-on experience in aerospace materials, lab procedures, and safety; DoD clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Requires associate's degree or equivalent with 7+ years of experience.
• Ability to work with common hand tools and lab equipment.
• Experience with composite lamination and manufacturing of test panels.
• Coupon preparation including cutting, grinding, gauging.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate composite panels to ASTM standards and R&D specs.
• Operate lab and experimental equipment; collect and summarize data.
• Perform material testing on composites (physical, optical, mechanical).
• Work with minimal supervision in lab/manufacturing settings.
• May supervise other technicians.

Skills

Hand tools

Laboratory equipment

Composite lamination

Coupon preparation

Machine shop practices

Analytical testing

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

FTIR

DMA

TMA

Rheometer

Microscopy

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Materials Lab Technician within our Materials & Process team at General Atomics Aeronautical System This position is responsible for performing and/or assisting in modification, fabrication, assembly, operations, installation, repair and maintenance of moderately complex laboratory, experimental or commercial equipment. Consults on the design of equipment or tests; sets up and conducts moderately complex experiments and tests. Records and summarizes data.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fabricates composite panels to ASTM standards and R&D specifications.
• Operates specialized lab and experimental equipment; collects and summarizes data.
• Cleans, adjusts and replaces parts on lab and experimental equipment.
• Perform material testing composite materials. Testing will include physical analysis, optical/microscopic analysis, and mechanical analysis.
• Perform duties with minimal supervision in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Excellent attendance, ability to work over time, and other shifts as required.
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines.
• Performs housekeeping and cleanup duties as required.
• May provide guidance to other technicians
• 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 associate's degree or equivalent with seven or more years of experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Must be able to work with common hand tools and operate laboratory equipment. Must have the capability to perform complex assignments with little or no direction. Ability and willingness to work on systems which have unusual conditions such as high heat and solvents. Knowledge of computer operations and applications pertinent to the field required.
• Previous composite lamination experience. Manufacture composite test panels for material qualifications and receiving inspection.
• Proficiency in coupon preparation including, but not limited to cutting, grinding, and gauging test specimens.
• Comfortable and knowledgeable with machine shop practices (cutting, grinding, drilling, etc.)
• Previous analytical / mechanical test lab experience.
• Experience in Defense or Civilian Aerospace Industry.
• Experience in the following test lab processes: FTIR, DMA, TMA, Resin Digestion, Rheometer, Microscopy, ASTM test methods.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance required.

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly

Salary range: 63,000 - 105,375