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Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

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 Salary

  • Job Level: Senior (8+ years)

  • Travel: 0 - 25

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Success Profile

What makes a successful Principal Opto-Mechanical 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

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Date posted 04/18/2024 Job ID 44452BR Company General Atomics Experience Level Senior (8+ years) Job Title Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer City San Diego State California Workstyle Onsite Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Salary Salary Range $128,130 - $229,358

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.

With consultative direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solution(s) for opto-mechanical related programs. Functioning in a leadership role, participates in the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of opto-mechanical solutions and provides direction and guidance to professional and support staff. Formulates technical plans, typically multi-year, for solution(s) development, documentation, and deployment of the engineering solution (s), as well as responsible for meeting various compliance, reporting, and safety standards. Evaluates the integration of the opto-mechanical solution within the overall engineering environment; and responsible for planning/overseeing documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates. Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle; represents the company as a prime technical contact on assigned system(s) or project (s)/program(s); selects, motivates, and develops professional and support staff; interacts with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations; anticipates future engineering needs; and, develops new or expands existing business opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assists in determining annual and multi-year technical objectives for the opto-mechanical engineering department.
  • Represents the opto-mechanical engineering department as a prime technical expert.
  • Develops innovative technical solutions to maintain optical performance of hardware through knowledge of thermal and structural impacts to an optical system. Programs may be terrestrial, airborne or space related.
  • Directs and allocates technical resources and professional staff to achieve both department and assigned program objectives.
  • Ensures compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
  • Participates in the planning, selection, retention, and development of the professional staff.
  • Publishes and presents technical papers and abstracts and participate in internal and external technical program reviews.
  • Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • 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; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates a detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of opto-mechanical engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project and/or program leadership including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established project deadlines or milestones.
  • Must posses the ability to contribute to the development of new concepts and principles; resolve unusually complex technical problems; serve as spokesperson on projects and/or programs; and be a technical expert in one or more areas of engineering.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective leadership interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
  • Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
  • Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment.
  • Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, invited to present one or more original works to a national or international engineering symposium, and invited to Chair engineering review panels as a technical expert are desirable.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Salary:$128,130 - $229,358
Travel Percentage Required 0 - 25 Relocation Assistance Provided Provided US Citizenship Required? Yes Clearance Required? Desired Clearance Level Secret
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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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