Structural Test Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Adelanto (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks an engineer to join its Structural Test team to support testing of airframes and systems for MQ-9B, XQ-67A, FQ-42A and other advanced designs.

You will be a key part of a hands-on team responsible for analysis, instrumentation and reporting of structural tests. The role requires strong fundamentals in statics, fixture design and stress analysis, with potential DoD clearance, and a willingness to work extended hours in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in engineering or related field with progressive engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering concepts, safety and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with structural testing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs structural test planning, fixture design, instrumentation, and reporting.
• Creates free-body diagrams and shear/moment diagrams for test conditions.
• Operates test equipment and installs instrumentation such as strain gauges and load cells.
• Conducts tests ensuring safe data collection and compliance with requirements.
• Documents findings and communicates results to project engineering staff.

Skills

Statics

Fixture design

Stress analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

EIT certificate

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.

We are seeking an engineer to join GA-ASI’s Structural Test team, a group at the forefront of innovation, fast-paced and hands-on with the latest products. In this role, you will be a key part of the team responsible for structural testing of the industry’s newest airframes and associated systems, including MQ-9B, XQ-67A, FQ-42A (CCA), and other advanced designs. Your expertise and attention to detail will play a critical role in shaping the future of aerospace technology and ensuring mission-ready performance for those who serve.

Under general supervision and with on-going review, this position supports the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation and resolution of routine engineering problems of limited scope. Assignments are for small projects or phase(s) of larger projects(s) and are normally outlined in terms of specific engineering activities. Contributes to the completion of assigned engineering tasks which involve the exercise of independent judgment and discretion about matters of significance. Documents findings and implemented solutions, and communicates results to project engineering staff. Contacts are primarily internal within the team. May provide direction to design staff or technicians.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies basic technical knowledge to analyze, investigate and resolve assigned routine engineering problems, including structural test planning, fixture design, analysis, instrumentation, and reporting.
• Creates free-body diagrams and shear and moment diagrams illustrating structural test conditions.
• Operates test equipment, including data acquisition and load control. May install instrumentation such as strain gages, string pots, load cells.
• Conducts tests, ensuring safe collection of appropriate data and compliance with requirements.
• May provide direction to design staff or technicians.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a basic understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory. Demonstrates the ability to follow and apply basic engineering knowledge, adapt standard techniques, and utilize the required diagnostics, tools and equipment, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Specific strengths in statics, fixture design, and stress analysis preferred.
• Experience with structural testing is desirable.
• Must be able to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Good communication, computer, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other professionals, to produce appropriate documentation, and to present results to a limited internal audience.
• Must be able to work both independently and on a team.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• An EIT (Engineer in Training) certificate is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 84,000 - 140,625