Senior Mechanical Engineer

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer for its Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment sustainment team, focusing on fielded energy-absorption and arresting systems mounted on naval platforms. The role emphasizes reliability, safety, and DoD proposal support.

Responsibilities include leading design-for-manufacturing efforts, conducting structural and thermal analyses, overseeing GD&T compliance, and mentoring junior engineers while coordinating with

Qualifications

• Typically 15+ years with a bachelor’s, 13+ with a master’s, or 10+ with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
• Senior-level aerospace/defense or DoD program experience with leading projects or work packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical sustainment for fielded systems, including design changes, obsolescence resolution, reliability improvements, and corrosion-related corrective actions.
• Perform 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 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 BOEs for DoD proposals using bottom-up, analogy, and parametric methods; support proposal and planning efforts.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to mid-level and junior engineers.

Skills

Structural analysis

Thermal analysis

FMEA

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or higher 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 and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

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