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Machinist

San Diego, California
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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 Hourly

  • Job Level: Senior (8+ years)

  • Travel: 0 - 25

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Success Profile

What makes a successful Machinist 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

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Job ID 50931BR Company General Atomics Experience Level Senior (8+ years) Job Title Machinist City San Diego State California Workstyle Onsite Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Hourly Salary Range $87,070 - $132,963

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 for a Machinist to join our Inertial Fusion Technology (IFT) division within the Energy group. The components to be machined are normally high-precision and in small quantities. Production schedules are reasonable but due dates are often inflexible. Salary potential commensurate with willingness/ability to grow professionally.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • With minimal oversight and direction, performs complex functions related to machine tools.
  • Ensures project development schedules and goals are met.
  • Plans the layout, fabrication and testing of mechanical devices.
  • Performs setup and operates any type of precision machine tool, including numerically controlled (CNC), to make original parts, tools, mechanisms and devices.
  • Solves extremely complex problems relative to work arrangement, unusual materials, machine settings, tools, product specification, and fabrication methods for production process.
  • Provides direction and/or training to other machinists in a lead role.
  • Programs, performs setup and runs difficult prototype and first run production jobs.
  • Programs, performs setup and operates conventional and CNC mills and lathes.
  • Plans sequence of machine operation using drawings, sketches or other written or verbal instructions.
  • Assists with the development of concepts, ideas, and methods for solving milling/machining problems.
  • Performs precision work to exacting tolerances for R&D and/or production engineers.
  • Acts as a lead and advisor including training for knowledge transfer.
  • Reviews and interprets job requests including drawings and service requests.
  • Supports the preparation of the schedule and cost estimate as needed for each project.
  • Orders and expedites materials needed.
  • Utilizes and interprets engineering drawings from sketches, graphic illustrations or verbal/written correspondence to plan sequence of operations.
  • Responsible for machining licensing and renewal.
  • Determines cutting or grinding tools to be used, method of holding, and machine speeds and feeds.
  • Assists others with job layout.
  • Performs such operations as turning, facing, boring, chamfering, turning tapers, drilling, grooving, reaming, machine compound angles, multiple angles, radii, splines and keyways.
  • Performs all types of helical and spiral milling, drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, slotting, and dovetailing on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their alloys.
  • Designs and fabricates tools and tooling aids to assist in machine setups utilizing various shop equipment.
  • Ensures that preventive maintenance is being performed including coordination with maintenance vendors and working the procurement process to order and schedule.
  • 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.
  • 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 an associate's degree, technical/trade school training or equivalent and fifteen or more years related experience.
  • Additional experience may be substituted for formal education.
  • Must be customer focused and possess:
    • ability to perform complex set-up and fabrication of machined parts with no direction;
    • ability to lead, instruct and train machinist staff on operations, practices and techniques used in the machine shop;
    • a high degree of initiative and extensive knowledge of machining equipment including ability to use judgment and safe practices;
    • ability to read, interpret and explain complex or unusual engineering drawings, sketches and verbal and written instructions;
    • skills to maintain the flow of work within the unit using independent judgment in solving unusual problems of diverse scope;
    • strong interpersonal skills and written communication skills to interface with employees, management and customers/outside representatives;
  • and basic computer skills.
  • The ability to work both independently and lead in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours as required.

Salary:$87,070 - $132,963
Travel Percentage Required 0 - 25 Relocation Assistance Provided Not Provided US Citizenship Required? Yes Clearance Required? No Clearance Level Senior (8+ years)
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Benefits

  • Healthcare

  • Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans

  • Competitive Pay

  • Multiple product lines means a variety of work

  • Paid Time Off

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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

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