Actuation Engineer
Poway, California
Overview
General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.
Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.
Schedule: Full-Time Salary
Job Level: Senior (8+ years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Actuation Engineer at General Atomics? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Inventive
- Problem Solver
- Team Player
- Creative
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 have an exciting opportunity located in Poway, CA as an Actuation Engineer. In this position, you will design and develop actuators for aircraft flight control and utility applications. The GA-ASI’s actuation systems include rotary and linear electro-mechanical actuators comprising BLDC Motor, gear train, ball screw, bearings, resolvers, brakes, and other components. You will also collaborate with interdisciplinary functional teams including EE, Controls, Software, Flight Technologies, Mechanisms, Landing Gear, and Aero Structures to ensure system level success. This Engineer will participate in Actuation system lifecycle development activities including requirements definition, design reviews, procurement/manufacturing, and qualification/certification. You will also perform trade studies of relevant technologies, devices and components. Additionally, you will provide product support for the GA-ASI's existing range of actuators.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Determines annual and multi year technical objectives for designated engineering systems or project(s)/program(s).
- Represents the assigned systems or projects(s)/program(s) as a prime technical expert.
- Act as expert consultant and advisor in identified area(s) of engineering.
- Advises or directs the activities of assigned project(s)/program (s) to achieve technical objectives.
- Directs and allocates technical resources and professional staff to achieve objectives.
- Develops new and/or expands existing business opportunities.
- Ensures compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
- Participates in the planning, selection, retention, and development of the professional staff.
- Publishes and present technical papers and abstracts and participate in internal and external technical program reviews.
- 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 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.
- Demonstrates an extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
- Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
- Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Able to work extended hours as required.
- A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.
Salary:$105,890 - $189,545
Benefits
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Healthcare
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Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
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Competitive Pay
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Multiple product lines means a variety of work
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Paid Time Off

“The company is growing, has a very good reputation and had open positions in my area of expertise (aircraft design/design methodology development).”– Peter, Senior Staff Engineer

“We don't ascribe to quotas; we do ascribe to securing the BEST talent to enrich our culture toward healthy diversification and active/viable community service. We are STEM advocates.”– Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer

“Every day is different, with different problems to solve and many programs to support. I am a problem solver and have always been motivated by the tough questions.”– Scott, Laser Scientist

“I work in the Components Engineering and Obsolescence Management Dept. Our efforts are saving General Atomics several millions of dollars by proactively leading and informing the company of all these decisions which significantly impact production, sustainment and new designs.”– John, Staff Engineer
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