Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a spacecraft mechanical engineer to support our team.

The Mechanical Engineer will support the development of small satellite systems with the responsibility of developing technical solutions for the long-term objectives of the Division, while serving as a mentor and thought leader for our growing team of engineers. This Engineer will support all phases of assigned engineering programs from inception through completion. The successful candidate will be able to navigate disciplines outside of mechanical engineering and must collaborate effectively with technical staff, program managers and engineering management. Strong and confident decision-making ability is essential.

This position may be located:

• San Diego, CA 92121
• Huntsville, AL 35806

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as mentor and advisor to team members
• Support and lead the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation, and resolution of routine engineering problems.
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence by directing and participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the technical talent.
• 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.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of heat transfer, structural mechanics and dynamics, as well as mechanical hardware design, fabrication techniques, and test for space and military applications.
• Assist with satellite mechanical subsystem level design, including requirement analysis, mission analysis, and design trade-offs.
• Develop innovative, but practical solutions to issues arising in design, assembly, integration, and test of satellite systems and payloads.
• Understand launch environment impacts on mechanical design and demonstrate familiarity with various environmental test standards (e.g. General Environmental Verification or GEVs).
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

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 bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Active and current TS/SCI clearance required.
• Ability to specify/identify appropriate materials, surface treatments and finishes for mechanical component design in space applications.
• Previous experience with space systems is required.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software such as Solidworks, NASTRAN or ANSYS is desired Including PDM/Windchill and mechanical engineering standards.
• Experience in hardware spacecraft testing, and test requirements is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with all aspects of the satellite system design life cycle, including spacecraft level environmental testing, launch, and operations.
• Familiarity with active and passive thermal control systems including heat pipes, blankets, radiators, etc.
• Familiarity primary and secondary space structural systems, mechanisms (moving mechanical assemblies), deployable structures, antennas.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment is required.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately in an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface within departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Able to travel to other GA-EMS locations or customer sites, as required. Typically, <10%.
  

Salary:$105,890 - $189,545