Composite and Polymer Fabrication Engineer
San Diego, 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: Mid-Level (3-7 years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Composite and Polymer Fabrication 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 (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.
General Atomics Electromagnetics Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We currently have an exciting position for an engineer in the field of composite materials within the Nuclear Technologies and Materials group. Under general directions with limited review, this position is responsible for applying innovative approaches to resolving unusual or complex scientific problems and will focus on advancing the state-of-the-art in ceramics and ceramic composite fabrication for nuclear, aerospace, and other demanding applications. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and reviewed regularly. Applicant is expected to independently, or within a group, to perform difficult/complex engineering work with instructions as to the general expected results, document findings, communicate results, make technical presentations, and represent the organization as the prime technical contact on specific areas of larger projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supports operation of engineering systems by evaluating and interpreting needs and problems and develops effective approaches to resolving those issues.
- Troubleshoots, analyzes, and repairs systems in assigned area by utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
- Supports the design, implementation, and scale-up of novel ceramic matrix composite fabrication methodologies, including silicon carbide-based and ultra-high temperature composites, to meet target requirements and specifications.
- Support in lab fabrication and testing activities, including developing and executing experimental test plans with clearly defined logic, metrics, and timelines.
- Designs, develops, modifies, and documents laboratory, experimental or commercial equipment with ceramic fabrication routes.
- Operates equipment and/or performs tests requiring knowledge of processes pertinent to the project.
- Documents findings and communicates reports, summaries, and technical presentations at engineering meetings and participates in program reviews and may assist in responding to proposals for new or the expansion of existing business opportunities.
- Manages acquired test data for historical tracking.
- May provide direction to a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
- Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Works 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 materials science, 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 demonstrate technical competency in lab environments.
- Must possess the ability to learn quickly and execute detailed instructions.
- Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Must possess the ability to design, schedule, and execute test plans.
- Experience in development and/or fabrication of composites, ceramics, and ceramic matrix composites for high temperature applications is desirable. Specific experience with carbon/carbon composites, silicon carbide, and silicon carbide composites, other high temperature carbide composites, as well as ceramics for nuclear or aerospace applications is desirable.
- Experience with prepreg, composite lay-up, CVD/CVI processes, pre-ceramic polymers, high temperature furnaces and presses, and other high temperature material processing and fabrication methods is desirable.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.
Salary:$81,080 - $141,650
Benefits
-
Healthcare
-
Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
-
Competitive Pay
-
Multiple product lines means a variety of work
-
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
News
-
Featured Jobs
- Legal Assistant San Diego, California
- Senior Subcontract Administrator Poway, California
- Electrical Engineer, Hardware Description Language (MODEM), and Embedded Software San Diego, California
- Electrical Engineer, MODEM Architect San Diego, California
You have not recently viewed any jobs.
You have no saved jobs.
-
Featured Jobs
- Legal Assistant San Diego, California
- Senior Subcontract Administrator Poway, California
- Electrical Engineer, Hardware Description Language (MODEM), and Embedded Software San Diego, California
- Electrical Engineer, MODEM Architect San Diego, California
You have not recently viewed any jobs.
You have no saved jobs.
-
Featured Jobs
- Legal Assistant San Diego, California
- Senior Subcontract Administrator Poway, California
- Electrical Engineer, Hardware Description Language (MODEM), and Embedded Software San Diego, California
- Electrical Engineer, MODEM Architect San Diego, California
You have not recently viewed any jobs.
You have no saved jobs.