Prototype and Test Support Specialist

General Atomics; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Missile & Projectile Weapon Systems Specialist to join as Integration and Test Support Specialist in Huntsville, AL. You will assemble, instrument, and test weapon systems, working with engineers to document results in a fast-paced environment.

The role involves lab and field testing, troubleshooting, and developing clear build instructions while adhering to safety and quality standards; US citizenship and DoD clearance are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline; equivalent experience acceptable.
• Hands-on mechanical/electromechanical assembly experience, preferably aerospace/defense.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and BOMs.
• Follow procedures, maintain accurate records, and ensure safety and quality.
• Familiarity with IPC/WHMA-A-620 or IPC J-STD-001 is desired.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and integrate missile/weapon system hardware per drawings and SOPs.
• Install instrumentation and electrical wiring on test articles for lab/field tests.
• Set up and operate lab test equipment: power supplies, DAQ, oscilloscopes, meters.
• Support test preparation, execution, and post-test inspection of subsystems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical/electrical assemblies and document results.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Electrical/electromechanical hardware

Engineering drawings

Schematics & wiring diagrams

Data acquisition basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Torque wrenches

Crimpers

Soldering equipment

Precision measuring tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Missile & Projectile Weapon Systems Specialist to join our team as an Integration and Test Support Specialist. In this role, you will support the assembly, integration, and test of missile and projectile weapon systems and subsystems and assist in the execution of both laboratory and field testing. You will work closely with engineers and other specialists to build hardware, instrument test articles, operate test equipment, and document results in a fast-paced development environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assembly, Integration & Instrumentation

• Assemble and integrate missile and projectile weapon system hardware and subsystems in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform mechanical and electromechanical assembly, including installation of:
  • Circuit cards
  • Harnesses and connectors
  • Sensors and actuators
  • Mechanical structures
• Route, terminate, and inspect electrical wiring and cable harnesses; perform continuity, insulation resistance, and basic functional checks.
• Install and remove instrumentation on test articles for laboratory and field tests, including:
  • Strain gauges
  • Accelerometers
  • Thermocouples
  • Pressure transducers

Laboratory & Field Test Support

• Set up, operate, and monitor laboratory test equipment under engineering direction, such as:
  • Power supplies
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Multimeters
  • Environmental test equipment
• Support the preparation, setup, and execution of laboratory tests, including functional, performance, and environmental testing of subsystems and components.
• Support field and range testing activities, including:
  • Pre-test assembly and test article configuration
  • Instrumentation checkout
  • Post-test disassembly and inspection

Test Execution, Troubleshooting & Documentation

• Follow detailed test procedures and work instructions; accurately record test data, observations, and configuration information in logs, travelers, and test reports.
• Assist engineers in troubleshooting and resolving hardware issues discovered during assembly and test, including basic fault isolation using hand tools and standard test equipment.
• Independently troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical issues at the component and subsystem level and implement corrective actions under engineering guidance.
• Handle and work around energetic devices, ordnance components, and safe/arm mechanisms in accordance with established explosives safety procedures and training.

Process Improvement, Training & Compliance

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; ensure tools, equipment, and test fixtures are properly maintained and controlled.
• Adhere to all company, program, and regulatory requirements related to safety, quality, configuration control, and security.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to assembly methods, test setups, tooling, and documentation.
• Develop and refine clear, step-by-step work instructions and build travelers from engineering drawings, models, and schematics to support repeatable, high-quality assembly and test operations.
• Provide feedback on assembly and test procedures to improve clarity, efficiency, and safety.
• May provide guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced technicians.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to support program objectives.

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 bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical and electromechanical assembly, preferably on aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability systems.
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Engineering drawings
• Schematics and wiring diagrams
• Bills of material
• Written work instructions
• Ability to translate engineering drawings and schematics into detailed, user-friendly work instructions and build documentation is highly desired.
• Proficiency using standard hand tools and assembly tools, including:
• Torque wrenches
• Crimpers
• Soldering equipment
• Precision measuring tools
• Experience working with electrical and electronic hardware, including basic use of test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical assemblies using systematic fault-isolation techniques and standard test equipment.
• Experience supporting test activities in a laboratory, production, or field environment; familiarity with data acquisition systems and instrumentation is desired.
• Experience working with or around ordnance, energetic devices, or weapon systems is highly desired; prior military armament, missile, or munitions experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with applicable military and industry standards for assembly and workmanship (e.g., IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC J-STD-001) is desired.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures, maintain accurate records, and strictly adhere to safety, quality, and configuration control requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to lift and handle moderate weights, stand for extended periods, and work in laboratory, shop, and field/range environments.
• Ability to work overtime, off-shift, and travel to test ranges and other facilities as required.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance; an active clearance is preferred.

Work Environment & Travel

• Work in laboratory, shop, and field/range environments.
• Overtime and off-shift work may be required to support program schedules and test operations.
• Travel to test ranges and other facilities may be required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 62,510 - 105,628