Materials Characterization Scientist
San Diego, 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 Salary
Job Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Materials Characterization Scientist 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 opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our team located in Rancho Bernardo, CA in the Nuclear Technology and Materials (NTM) Division. This position involves operating a wide range of analytical techniques to characterize advanced materials as well as operating chemical reactors and thermal processing equipment to produce preceramic polymers and ceramic composite materials.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Operate and maintain a wide range of analytical instruments to characterize advanced materials
- Operate chemical reactor systems and perform polymer purification operations
- Operate thermal processing equipment to produce ceramics and ceramic matrix composites
- Maintain up to date knowledge in the field of ceramic forming polymers, ceramic composite materials, and analytical techniques
- Document and communicate findings and results through reports, summaries, and technical presentations.
- Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Job Qualifications:
- Typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific or related discipline and a minimum of two or more years of scientific experience with a bachelor’s degree. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Experience with a wide range of analytical techniques is highly desirable: chromatography (SEC, GPC, HPLC), elemental analysis (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, inert gas fusion, combustion), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS, WDS, auger, specimen preparation), optical microscopy, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, MP, LFA), rheology, x-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical testing (four point bend, tensile testing, etc.)
- Strong laboratory skills are desirable – air-free synthesis; gloveboxes, reaction heating/cooling systems, refluxing, distillation, solvent removal, vacuum and pressurized filtration methodologies, organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis, purification (extractions, crystallization etc.)
- Requires strong communication skills – ability to convey complex technical concepts to a broad audience
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security clearance is required
Salary:$73,700 - $128,780
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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