Senior Mechanical Engineer

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,130 - 229,358; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer for the ALRE sustainment team. The role leads fielded system sustainment, performs advanced analyses, and ensures compliance with maritime MIL-STD.

Responsibilities include design-for-manufacturing, corrosion-resistant design, and mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates hold 15+ years in aerospace/DoD, with strong GD&T, FEA tools, and DoD proposal experience.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in aerospace/DoD programs or equivalent.
• Strong experience with structural/thermal/shock/vibration analyses and tolerance stack-up.
• Extensive GD&T experience per ASME standards and complex drawing reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical sustainment for fielded systems, including design changes and obsolescence resolution.
• Perform analyses (structural, thermal, shock/vibration) and prepare technical reports.
• Apply GD&T to approve drawings and guide manufacturing and corrosion-resistant design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve design and production issues.
• Support tests and troubleshoot mechanical and environmental issues at sites.
• Develop BOEs for DoD proposals and plan engineering work packages with cost control.
• Mentor mid-level and junior engineers and ensure CPI/SPI targets.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

FMEA

GD&T

Effective communication

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

NX

ANSYS/NASTRAN

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 are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) sustainment team, supporting advanced aircraft carrier systems. This senior technical role focuses on fielded aerospace/defense systems, especially energy absorption systems used to safely decelerate aircraft in demanding maritime environments. You will lead mechanical sustainment and design-for-manufacturing efforts, perform advanced analysis (structural, thermal, shock/vibration, tolerance, corrosion), ensure compliance with maritime MIL-STD requirements, and drive reliability and safety (including FMEA). The role also includes BOE development for DoD proposals, QN resolution, and mentoring mid-level and junior engineers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead mechanical sustainment for fielded systems, including design changes, obsolescence resolution, reliability improvements, and corrosion-related corrective actions.
• Perform and review structural, thermal, shock/vibration, tolerance stack-up, and corrosion-related analyses; prepare clear technical reports and documentation.
• Apply and review GD&T per ASME standards; approve drawings and guide design-for-manufacturing and corrosion-resistant design.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, vendors, and customers) to resolve design and production issues and ensure effective execution.
• Support test activities and troubleshoot mechanical, environmental, and system-level issues at test sites.
• Develop procurement specifications, SOWs, and technical content for proposals; provide technical input to procurement decisions.
• Develop BOEs for DoD proposals using bottom-up, analogy, and parametric methods; support proposal and planning efforts.
• Plan and manage engineering work packages, tracking scope, schedule, and cost; maintain favorable CPI/SPI and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Apply reliability and safety engineering practices, including FMEA and other risk assessment methods.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to mid-level and junior engineers.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with progressive engineering experience (typically 15+ years with a bachelor’s, 13+ with a master’s, or 10+ with a PhD). Equivalent engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of formal education.
• Senior-level mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or DoD programs, including leading projects or work packages and serving as a prime technical contact.
• Strong expertise in structural, thermal, shock/vibration, and tolerance stack-up analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
• Extensive, practical GD&T experience per ASME standards, including reviewing and approving complex drawings.
• Hands-on design-for-manufacturing and sustainment experience; energy absorption/arresting systems experience preferred.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX) and strong Excel skills.
• Experience with sustainment engineering, configuration control, change management (CRs, ECNs/ECOs), and closing QNs; ability to update drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Corrosion engineering experience in maritime/marine environments (shipboard, coastal, salt-spray) and familiarity with relevant maritime MIL-STD requirements.
• Experience planning and managing engineering tasks, including scope, schedule, and cost control; familiarity with CPI/SPI metrics.
• Experience with BOE development and DoD/government proposals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work independently and in teams, with willingness to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 128,130 - 229,358