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 have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer within the CSS group which is based in Herndon, VA although this position will be located in San Diego, CA. The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functioning in an advisory or leadership role participates in the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of engineering problem(s) 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 engineering 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.
• Determines annual and multi year technical objectives for designated engineering systems or project(s)/program(s).
• Represents the assigned systems or projects(s)/program(s) as a prime technical expert.
• Act as expert consultant and advisor in identified area(s) of engineering.
• Advises or directs the activities of assigned project(s)/program (s) to achieve technical objectives.
• Directs and allocates technical resources and professional staff to achieve objectives.
• Develops new and/or expands existing business opportunities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs 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 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 engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice.
• Has specific experience with the development of mechanical hardware to support laser and optical systems, including optical mounts, thermal management and stabilization and optical stress minimization.
• Previous experience with satellite space systems is required. Experience in hardware spacecraft testing, environmental testing, and test requirements is highly desirable.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software such as Solidworks, NASTRAN or ANSYS is required.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment and to support hardware prototyping activities, including direct oversight of initial system build and testing.
• 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 as required.
• US Citizenship is required as is the ability to maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance

Salary:$128,130 - $229,358