Flight Test Instrumentation Technician
Poway, CaliforniaOverview
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 Hourly
Job Level: Mid-Level (3-7 years)
Travel: 25 - 50
Success Profile
What makes a successful Flight Test Instrumentation Technician 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.
Performs and/or assists in modification, fabrication, assembly, operations, installation, repair and maintenance of general laboratory, experimental or commercial equipment.
Assists engineers in test set up at customer sites across the continental US and conducts semi-routine experiments and tests. May assist in the design of basic lab, experimental, and commercial equipment. Applies specialized knowledge and skills pertinent to the organization, project or program assigned. Sets up and performs complex experiments and tests. Records, reduces and summarizes data. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for fabrication, modification, installation, and documentation of complex test equipment for use in harsh flight environments.
- Operates laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and electromechanical sensors.
- Assists in the development of flight-worthy instrumentation systems using professional soldering, wiring and fabrication techniques
- Collects, records, reduces, and summarizes experimental data.
- Cleans, adjusts and replaces equipment, and ensures calibration, organizational and safety standards are met.
- Sets up and checks out semi-routine experiments and tests according to pre-arranged procedures, and records experimental data.
- Diagnoses and corrects operational problems or trouble sources in equipment or tests.
- Interprets basic information displayed to recognize when various operating measurements are drifting out of established parameters. Adjusts operating parameters to bring systems back to satisfactory operating conditions.
- Develops solutions to unforeseen problems that occur, including assisting in the design of specialized components.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Effectively organizes and safeguards high-dollar test equipment so that it is available for use for all flight test programs.
- Supports the fight test instrumentation engineering team with preparation and transportation of test equipment, and on-site test activities.
- Performs housekeeping and cleanup duties as required.
- Applies test instrumentation including, and not limited to, accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gages and pressure transducers at off-site and remote locations.
- Performs operability checks of test instrumentation per established engineering procedures.
- Performs routine data collection and memory card maintenance of on-aircraft instrumentation systems per engineering procedures.
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 associate degree or equivalent with seven or more years of experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
- Must be able to work with common hand tools and operate laboratory equipment. Must have the capability to perform complex assignments with little or no direction.
- Meticulous attention to detail and quality is a must, especially when working with small parts or assemblies.
- Has experience with basic electromechanical system troubleshooting and repair.
- Exhibits a practical understanding of electrical circuits, including voltage, current and resistance measurement techniques
- Hands on experience with soldering and wiring.
- Ability to read and understand technical electrical and mechanical schematics.
- Proficiency with Microsoft tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Familiarity with hardware and software suites used for diagnostic testing.
- Ability and willingness to work on systems which have unusual conditions such as high pressure, high voltage, high energy, cryogens, or radioactive materials.
- Outstanding attention to detail and a focus on providing quality results.
- Energized by the opportunity to support test activities on aircraft, which may be located at remote test facilities and subject to extended workdays.
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly when confronted with unfamiliar hardware and hardware systems.
- Adapts well to sudden changes in test schedules and requirements. Comfortable in a dynamic work environment.
- Must have the ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Must be able to work extended hours and travel as required (50-75%).
Additional Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with strain gages and application is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with aircraft or UAV hardware is desired.
- Familiarity with data acquisition software such as Labview is a plus.
- Active security clearance is a plus.
Salary:$65,410 - $99,888
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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