Skip to main content

Low Observables Engineer

Poway, California

Apply Now

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: Mid-Level (3-7 years)

  • Travel: 0 - 25

Back to Job Navigation (Overview)

Success Profile

What makes a successful Low Observables 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

Back to Job Navigation (Success)

Job ID 45122BR Company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Experience Level Mid-Level (3-7 years) Job Title Low Observables Engineer City Poway State California Workstyle Onsite Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Salary Salary Range $81,080 - $141,650

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 for a Low Observables Engineer in our GA-ASI/Aircraft Systems Group.

Much of GA-ASI Manufacturing Engineering roles/responsibilities are centered on projects. Projects range from program/platform leadership/support, maturing manufacturing/materials/processes, continuous improvement, capital acquisition, and facility improvements/expansion. Projects originate from a data-based articulation of need within Manufacturing. As a Low Observables Engineer your role will be to lead and support - through rigorous quantitative analysis - multiple projects within GA-ASI’s product/platform line suite and new programs. This includes leading/supporting top-tier teams of Engineers and technicians and developing manufacturing technology while ensuring aerospace standards and quality requirements are met.

This position requires depth and breadth of low observable engineering, manufacturing, processing and materials knowledge. Project engineering and management experience is required. Must be able to multitask multiple and complex projects while staying organized in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to collaborate, negotiate, and work with internal and external groups to ensure ideas come to fruition. This position of Low Observables Engineer will support operation of manufacturing engineering with the objective to ensure a smooth and timely transition of new products from feasibility into stable production.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work on a team to support the design, test, and manufacture of low observable remotely piloted aircraft.
  • Able to work independently, and with experienced engineers to devise new approaches to resolve unusual or highly complex manufacturing problems; through early, upfront design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles to ensure producibility, inspect-ability, testability, maintainability and repairability.
  • Aid in the development of manufacturing plans for Low Observable air vehicles, including infrastructure, materials, component fabrication, and assembly processes.
  • Responsible for a portion or for all of the manufacturing value stream for a product line or process development, implementation, and continuous improvement to enhance Quality/ Yield, reduce Cost, and improve Productivity/Schedule.
  • Troubleshoot conflicting design development vs. production requirements, promotes new methods / process equipment, and evaluates special material requirements.
  • Assist technicians and other engineers in building prototypes and pilot builds. Document the build process with standardized work instructions, define and implement new manufacturing technologies.
  • Document, analyze, and troubleshoot issues that arise and make technical presentations as required to communicate issues up and down stream.
  • Provides input to design, technical staff, briefs management, and participates effectively in a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
  • Assist in the development of manufacturing processes, procedures and tooling using technical experience and collaborative interaction with the team to improve quality, eliminate non-value-added steps and shorten lead times.
  • Collaborate heavily with Design Engineering and Quality during prototype development, and first article manufacturing.
  • Provide support for the disposition of non-conforming product, identify root cause, and assists in the implementation of corrective/preventative actions.
  • Review and approve engineering design and changes and ensure their manufacturability.
  • Develops and maintains work instructions to guide technicians in the assembly of assigned products.
  • Liaison work orders as required to reflect process changes, non-conformity dispositions and engineering changes.
  • 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; 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 5+ years of Low Observables experience and have a good understanding of Low Observable materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Must have a complete understanding of low observables, survivability, and susceptibility 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 understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout 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.
  • Must have a solid understanding of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, composite lamination, etc).
  • Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing methodologies for waste reduction, e.g., 5S, Standard Work, TAKT, Pull System, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, cell design, and Manufacturing Flow, as well as GD&T is desirable.
  • Experience manufacturing Low Observable components, including materials and edges is desirable.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.
#FJ
Salary:$81,080 - $141,650
Travel Percentage Required 0 - 25 Relocation Assistance Provided Not Provided US Citizenship Required? Yes Clearance Required? Desired Clearance Level Secret
Apply Now

Benefits

  • Healthcare

  • Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans

  • Competitive Pay

  • Multiple product lines means a variety of work

  • Paid Time Off

Back to Job Navigation (Rewards)

Image of Peter, Senior Staff Engineer
“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
Image of Debra, CSSBB: 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
Image of Scott, Laser Scientist
“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
Image of John, Staff Engineer
“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

Back to Job Navigation (Quote)

>

Sign up for job alerts

Get General Atomics job alerts delivered right to your inbox.

Sign Up

Join our talent community

Be among the first to get the latest career news, hiring events and other information helpful to your professional goals.

Sign Up