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 Electromagnetic 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 an experienced nuclear reactor design engineer in our Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) Division to lead the design and development of advanced reactor applications for space power and propulsions. This includes nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and lunar and Mars surface power. General Atomics is making a strategic commitment to nuclear application in space and currently has both DoD and NASA contracts in this area. GA is committing substantial resources in nuclear technologies and materials to secure and maintain a leadership role in space. This position will involve developing winning technical approaches and leading nuclear and related engineering staff to capture, develop and execute first-of-a-kind space power and propulsion opportunities. The person filling this position will lead the technical development of both internally funded nuclear projects as well as government funded programs. He/she will work closely with senior management, project and business development staff to expand GA’s presence in space defense and eventual commercial opportunities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage a reactor design and analysis group consisting of neutronics, thermal-fluid, instrumentation and control and fuel design engineers.
• Provide reactor design and analysis support to current nuclear reactor related projects.
• Work with Business Development staff to create new concepts to enable capture of emerging opportunities for large program and eventual products with emphasis on space.
• Coordinate with NTM’s nuclear material and fuels group to develop material and fuel technologies to support new reactor concepts.
• Coordinate with GA’s testing group to conduct essential testing internal and externally funded development programs.
• Coordinate with GA’s other traditional engineering groups such as systems, mechanical, thermal-fluid, structural, instrumentation and control engineering.
• Coordinate with GA’s manufacturing group for fabrication of test articles and prototype equipment.
• Represent GA at nuclear and space related conferences including presenting papers and serving on panels.
• Establish working relationships with DOE, national laboratory and NASA organizations to develop collaborative programs that support GA objectives in space nuclear propulsion and power.
• Work with Human Resources to recruit additional reactor design and analysis staff.
• Train and develop young nuclear engineers to support growing nuclear programs.
• Establish and enforce procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Implement quality assurance policy and requirements for the project.
• Coordinate with manufacturing organizations within EMS for input on the design effort.
• Present the technical progress to the customer and other government organizations.
• Perform 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 a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as thirteen or more years of progressively complex engineering experience with at least seven of those years having management responsibilities. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Broad knowledge of complimentary engineering fields including mechanical, thermal fluid, control, electrical and systems analysis.
• At least ten years of experience in taking projects from design to hardware fabrication.
• Effective communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and ability to direct a technical team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE or DoD Security Clearance is required.

Salary:$140,900 - $257,233