Mechanical Test Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Poway, CA, is seeking an entry-level Test Engineer for the Flight Test Instrumentation Team to contribute to the development and execution of UAV flight test programs across the company.

The role is hands-on, requiring troubleshooting of test systems on the fly, travel to remote locations, and collaboration with flight operations, engineering and program management.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline, or equivalent engineering experience.
• Must be enthusiastic about working with company products and systems.
• Self-starter with ability to quickly learn concepts and manage evolving tasks.
• Desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations.
• Thrives in a dynamic environment with shifting test schedules.
• Ability to analyze test data and communicate results using Excel and MS Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to document procedures and results.
• Capable of working independently and in a team.
• Willing to work extended hours and travel as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop flight-hardened instrumentation systems for flight test programs.
• Conduct bench tests of complex instrumentation and networks to validate methods.
• Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft for flight testing.
• Troubleshoot electromechanical and data acquisition systems in real time.
• Develop and document test procedures, specifications, and results.
• Provide technical support and system documentation during testing.
• Perform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests on components and aircraft.
• Define flight and ground test objectives and design appropriate systems.
• Collaborate with test engineers and technicians on development testing.
• Ensure readiness of test assets, including hardware and software configuration.

Skills

Self-starter

Hands-on tester

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

Strong communication

Independent and team player

Willing to travel

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MATLAB

Python

C

3D modeling software

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.

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.

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an entry level Test Engineer to join the Flight Test Instrumentation Team, in Poway, CA. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and execution of system level UAV flight test programs across the entire company product line. The hands-on nature of flight testing will require the test engineer to support activities at remote locations throughout the continental US, where company products are located and where flexible work schedules are often required. In addition, a high level of technical aptitude will be required in order to troubleshoot complex test systems on the fly. This is a highly cross-functional role, with expectations to build and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.

DUITES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Aid in developing flight-hardened instrumentation systems tailored to the flight test program.
• Conduct bench tests of complex instrumentation systems and networks to validate methods and accuracy.
• Install measurement sensors and data acquisition systems on aircraft for flight testing.
• Quickly learn new concepts to troubleshoot electromechanical and data acquisition systems in real time.
• Develop and document test procedures, technical specifications, and test activities/results.
• Provide technical support, health monitoring, and system documentation throughout testing.
• Perform Modal and Ground Vibration Tests of components on and off the aircraft.
• Define, communicate, and document flight and ground test objectives, and design appropriate systems.
• Collaborate with test engineers and technicians for research and development testing.
• Ensure readiness of test assets, including hardware/software configuration, procedures, and equipment.
• Report progress, assess system performance, and provide detailed anomaly descriptions to software/hardware teams.
• Prioritize, multitask, and adapt to support on-site/off-site test activities.
• Be flexible with extended hours, travel, and schedule shifts to support testing needs.
• Collaborate with flight operations, engineering, and program management for flight test activities.
• Assist Project Engineers with scheduling and logistics of unmanned flight tests, if necessary.
• Collaborate with internal customers on test plan development and execution.
• Maintain flexibility for remote aircraft testing under varying time constraints.

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 in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education
• Must be enthusiastic about working directly with company products and systems.
• Must be a self-starter, with the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• A strong desire to support hands-on test activities at remote locations is required.
• Has demonstrated an ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, with the capability to accommodate sudden shifts in test schedules and test requirements.
• Ability to analyze test data and communicate results using Excel, and other Microsoft Office Tools is required.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to document procedures and maintain technical records, capture system test requirements, record test failures, present technical information and report test results.
• Must have the ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work extended hours and travel as required (:50%).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Additional Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience with and an understanding of programmable sensors.
• Hands-on experience with vibration, temperature, and pressure measurement techniques is a plus.
• Comfortable discussing data processing techniques such as windowing, filtering, aliasing, and Fourier transform methods.
• Experience with a variety of data acquisition systems is a plus.
• Experience with 3D modeling software and fabrication techniques is desired.
• Experience with IE languages such as MATLAB, C or Python, and experience with writing and debugging scripts is a plus.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 62,510 - 105,628