Mechanical Sustainment Engineer

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 98,100 - 171,398; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Mechanical Engineer in San Diego, CA to join the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) sustainment team, focusing on energy absorption systems used to decelerate aircraft during carrier landings.

You will create 3D models in Creo/SolidWorks, perform GD&T driven drawings, and carry out structural analyses with ANSYS, hand calculations, and FMEA to support reliability and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering with progressive experience.
• Experience applying mechanical engineering principles and managing workloads.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and GD&T for modeling and drawing.
• Ability to perform hand calculations and FEA (ANSYS).
• FMEA and reliability activities; PE license desirable.
• Strong communication and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Support design, analysis, and sustainment of ALRE energy absorption systems.
• Develop 3D models and drawings with GD&T per ASME.
• Perform structural and mechanical analyses (stress, deflection, fatigue) using hand calculations and FEA (ANSYS).
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams and manage documentation.
• Prepare reports, CRs, ECNs, and support procurement decisions.

Skills

3D CAD

GD&T

FEA

Structural analysis

FMEA

Reliability

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

Job Summary 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 support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Job Summary 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 support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. Our Mechanical Engineering team has an exciting opportunity in San Diego, CA, for a Mechanical Engineer eager to make history by joining the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) system sustainment team—part of the most advanced aircraft carrier systems. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with hands‑on experience in design for manufacturing and maintaining energy absorption systems used to safely decelerate aircraft during carrier landings. The role includes 3D modeling and GD&T‑driven detailed drawing creation in Creo and SolidWorks, including tolerance stack‑up analysis to ensure fit, function, and manufacturability in demanding maritime environments. The ideal candidate will be skilled in structural analysis using tools such as ANSYS, building cross‑functional relationships, and efficiently driving engineering tasks to completion under the guidance of senior staff. This role requires designing for reliability and safety, including participation in FMEA and other risk assessment activities, and contributing to innovative solutions and clear technical documentation and presentations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work within a multi‑disciplinary engineering team (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Software, Manufacturing, and Systems) to support design, analysis, and sustainment of ALRE energy absorption systems and related hardware.
• Support the determination of technical objectives and solution paths for advanced mechanical engineering problems, under the direction of senior engineers and engineering management.
• Perform structural and mechanical analyses (including stress, deflection, and fatigue assessments) using hand calculations and FEA tools such as ANSYS; document assumptions, methods, and results.
• Develop and update 3D models and engineering drawings in SolidWorks and/or Creo, applying GD&T per ASME standards and performing tolerance stack‑up analyses to ensure proper fit and function.
• Contribute to design‑for‑manufacturing and design‑for‑sustainment activities, including materials selection, corrosion‑resistant design practices, and support for production and fielded systems.
• Participate in FMEA and other risk assessment methodologies to support reliability and safety of energy absorption systems and associated components.
• Assist in formulating plans and supporting the development, testing, documentation, integration, and safety/compliance of engineering solutions.
• Support the maintenance of engineering solutions through documentation, reporting, and technical presentations to ensure viability in an evolving environment.
• Prepare and review technical reports, process documentation, and engineering change documentation such as change requests (CRs), engineering change notices (ECNs) in coordination with configuration management.
• Provide technical input to procurement documents, specifications, and Statements of Work (SOWs) for engineered components and assemblies; support technical evaluations to aid procurement decisions.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Procurement, Program Office, Planning, Configuration Management, vendors, and customers to resolve design‑related issues and support production and test schedules.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and company procedures.
• Perform 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 a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in 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.
• Candidates must have demonstrated experience applying mechanical engineering principles with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (Creo and SolidWorks) for modeling and GD&T‑based detailed drawing creation, including tolerance stack‑up analysis, is required, as is the ability to perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools such as ANSYS.
• Candidates should be able to participate in reliability and safety activities such as FMEA and other risk assessments, understand new concepts quickly, and apply them in an evolving environment.
• Familiarity with EVMS concepts and a Professional Engineering (PE) license or other professional recognition (such as publications, presentations, or review panel participation) are desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders, along with a customer‑focused mindset, the ability to work independently or in a team, and willingness to work extended hours and travel as needed.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self‑initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance at or above the Secret level is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398