Space Mechanical Chief Engineer

General Atomics; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 140,940 - 252,293; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking a Space Mechanical Chief Engineer to advance spacecraft and payload development across multi‑discipline teams. The role leads mechanical design, structural/dynamics, thermal, guidance and propulsion architecture while ensuring solid engineering practices and robust verification.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in space systems, leadership of cross‑discipline groups, and the ability to work in a demanding,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in engineering with progressive experience: eighteen or more years with a bachelor’s, sixteen or more years with a master's, or thirteen or more years with a Ph.D.
• Experience leading teams in the development of complex enterprise‑level system engineering products and the integration of systems‑of‑systems
• Experience with MDNAV development in LEO to XGEO environments

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑architecture level trade studies and develop common interoperable architectures across various mission spaces
• Expertise in satellite bus design, autonomous systems, mission design, requirements development and verification, functional and environmental testing, and on‑orbit operations
• Support and lead the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation and resolution of routine engineering problems
• Lead new IRAD programs that support long‑term mission architectures
• Recommend, develop, and integrate enterprise concepts and recommendations to capitalize on cross best practices, efficiencies and standardization
• Independently perform challenging engineering work, document findings, communicate results, deliver technical presentations, and support test activities both on and off site; design, develop, and test all aspects of mechanical components and equipment
• Lead mechanical proposal efforts and generation of white papers
• Demonstrate strong understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics and dynamics, as well as mechanical hardware design, fabrication techniques and test for space and military applications
• Develop and configuration manage Interface Control Documents
• Develop and document logistics goals, objectives, services, and programs, as well as the individual needs to meet mission requirements

Skills

Spacecraft design

System engineering

Thermal analysis

Structure and dynamics

Propulsion concepts

Leadership

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree or PhD in engineering

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’s expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supports 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 Space Mechanical Chief Engineer. This position will use your detailed knowledge and experience of spacecraft and payload development in closing difficult technical challenges. The role is part of the Space Mechanical Team and supports mechanical design, structural/dynamics, thermal, guidance navigation and controls, and propulsion system architecture.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the development of cross‑architecture level trade studies and develop common interoperable architectures across various mission spaces
• Expertise in satellite bus design, autonomous systems, mission design, requirements development and verification, functional and environmental testing, and on‑orbit operations
• Support and lead the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation and resolution of routine engineering problems
• Lead new IRAD programs that support long‑term mission architectures
• Recommend, develop, and integrate enterprise concepts and recommendations to capitalize on cross best practices, efficiencies and standardization
• Independently perform challenging engineering work, document findings, communicate results, deliver technical presentations, and support test activities both on and off site; design, develop, and test all aspects of mechanical components and equipment
• Provide feasibility studies and concept exploration
• Lead mechanical proposal efforts and generation of white papers
• Demonstrate strong understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics and dynamics, as well as mechanical hardware design, fabrication techniques and test for space and military applications
• Develop and configuration manage Interface Control Documents
• Develop and document logistics goals, objectives, services, and programs, as well as the individual needs to meet mission requirements

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience: eighteen or more years with a bachelor’s degree, sixteen or more years with a master’s degree, or thirteen or more years with a Ph.D. Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for education
• Experience leading teams in the development of complex enterprise‑level system engineering products and the integration of systems‑of‑systems
• Expertise in satellite constellation establishment, maintenance and contingency resolution; simulation of attitude control system dynamics, satellite power systems and space environmental effects
• Experience in leading failure review boards and serving as a technical reviewer on program design reviews
• Experience leading technical teams through difficult engineering challenges in a schedule‑critical environment
• Experience with MDNAV development in LEO to XGEO environments
• Expertise in technical and cost proposal content, prototyping, and mission and CONOPs development
• Strong writing, editing, analytical and team facilitation skills
• Expertise in vehicle and payload instrument design, construction and calibration; mission data analysis
• Ability to interact with senior Department of Defense and other government officials as well as defense contractors at all levels
• Experience with test, analysis, and/or experimentation of space systems or military systems including space operations
• 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
• A Top‑Secret DoD Security Clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS‑SCI Clearance

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 140,940 – 252,293