Additive Manufacturing (AM) Project Engineer

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and self-driven Additive Manufacturing (AM) Project Engineer in our AM department located in Poway, CA.

This position will occupy a strategic role in the growth of AM at GA-ASI, by supporting current and next generation UAS platform development leveraging a variety of AM technologies and materials. This position will act as principal AM-related project management interface between the AM department internal SMEs and a wide range of programs and its stakeholders. Providing both AM expertise and project management skills, this role will be driving simultaneously several projects related to new AM applications, IRAD, process improvement, communication, training program, as well as complex production-related projects while providing periodical updates to the working teams and to the leadership. This role is part of the AM Project Management team within the AM department and will support the AM application engineering team in the development of technical project scope of work (SOW) and plan, and drive the project all the way through its completion. This role will have a major component of outward-facing interactions with various engineering, quality, and program stakeholder teams across GA-ASI.

Although it is part of the Aircraft Systems Manufacturing division, this position will be a key interface role between various other internal and external stakeholders such as Quality Engineering, Materials & Processes Engineering, Programs Management, Advanced Programs, Design Engineering, Service and Supply Chain management. It will also interface and work closely with multiple programs within the greater GA&A company (other divisions of GA). This position will be key to help integrate AM applications into GA-ASI’s products and processes, as part of the Center of Excellence mission statement. This position will provide the candidate with an opportunity to be at the forefront and a key contributor to the growth of plastics, metals, tooling and composites AM at GA-ASI.

DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Development and execution of AM technical project scope of work, plan, schedule and budget in support of the AM application development engineering team efforts, as well as for internal IRAD, process improvements, internal/external communication, training and production-related projects.
• Support the development and communication of AM business trade studies on new potential applications, leveraging internal AM and Non-AM capabilities and resources, as well as external partners/suppliers, in collaboration with the AM application engineering team.
• Primary Point of Contact (POC) between AM team, and the several stakeholder teams/programs, providing AM expertise and representation throughout the execution of the projects. May also be the AM-representative as part of a larger stakeholder team.
• Primary owner of AM-related project schedule and budget, and responsible to provide periodic project status updates for team coordination purposes.
• Driving communications, team alignment and task coordination between all project stakeholders for AM-related projects, such as Manufacturing groups (machining, fabrication, integration, lamination, tooling engineering, etc.), Engineering groups (design, CFD, AIG, M&P, etc.), Quality and Metrology, Program offices, as well as with upper management.
• Coordination of project execution with external suppliers/partners when applicable.
• Develop project tracking metrics and tools to facilitate reporting at all levels (working teams & leadership) and facilitate team growth.
• Provide basic level of knowledge support on AM technologies as POC on a project team setting, while leveraging the AM team’s SMEs effectively as required. Technologies that should be supported by this role include (but not limited to): Fused Deposition Modeling – FDM, Selective Laser Sintering – SLS, Laser Powder Bed Fusion – LPBF, Binder Jet (sand), LSAM/BAAM, Direct Energy Deposition – Wired (DED-W), DAPS™, SLA, DLP, MJF and other AM technologies.
• In collaboration with AM application engineering, keep records of project engagements, technical application best practices and lessons learned, and develop associated AM application growth metrics and best reporting practices for visibility at AM MFG group, stakeholders and leadership levels, up to executive level.
• As needed, participate and drive communication initiative to promote AM knowledge transfer and awareness across the GA&A company.
• In collaboration with AM application engineering, develop, maintain and communicate AM application library using intranet tools/platforms.
• Closely work with all internal AM technology work cells and AM Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, M&P, Stress engineering, and other internal stakeholders to ensure best project flow.
• Support AM manufacturing engineers with their respective AM technology process improvement efforts by develop strategies, plan, and help drive those to completion.
• Work closely with procurement, production planning and logistics stakeholder in the execution of AM application projects.
• Participate, support and drive multiple R&D projects connected to application development efforts.
• Closely work with Design for AM (DfAM) engineering to assess and support new applications development efforts and provide feedbacks/guidance on key project milestones and schedule drivers.
• Tracking project budgets and spending.

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 in Business Administration or related discipline and nine or more years of progressively complex experience in the project administration field with at least three of those years in project management. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in technical/engineering project management involving several different stakeholders (non-direct reports). A minimum of 2 years of direct relevant engineering-related project management is required.
• Basic working knowledge of AM industrial and prototyping technologies relevant to this role (e.g. FDM/FFF, SLS, LPBF/DLM/DMLS/DMLM, DED, EBM, BJT, and others) and their associated post-processing workflows.
• Working knowledge of application development workflows for either aviation, aerospace, space, defense industries is highly valued.
• Minimum of 2 yrs of direct experience with AM production industrial environment/operations (production-level AM), specifically with FDM and/or SLS and/or metal-LPBF and/or DED production printing is preferred.
• Ability and interest in learning and mastering new AM technologies, in alignment with GA-ASI’s AM roadmap and upcoming applications.
• Direct experience with conventional mechanical CAD designs, drawings and GD&T.
• Direct knowledge with part manufacturing process workflows, including but not limited to: production planning, engineering file controls, master routing, quality and inspection methodologies and technologies (e.g. CT scanning, other NDT, blue scanning, CMM, roughness, etc.).
• Direct knowledge of conventional manufacturing processes (complementary to AM processes, such as CNC machining, coating, plating, infiltrating, painting, injection molding, casting, investment casting, etc.) is a great advantage for this role.
• Direct experience with trade study assessments, business case development and communication are highly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to form new partnerships, to connect with new stakeholders and to keep engaged.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple conflicting priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
• Working knowledge of mechanical design engineering processes is a great advantage.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in written form to both technical and non-technical audiences, especially regarding manufacturing processes, engineering issues and proposed changes, and quality issues and dispositions.
• Experience with Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Project, Excel and Visio.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems SAP and PLM such as Windchill/Teamcenter is an advantage.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be self-driven, like to innovate, with a desire to learn.
• Ability to understand and influence others, develop a plan and rally a team around it, lead small team.
• Able to work extended hours and travel occasionally as required.
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a DOD security clearance is required.

Salary:$90,930 - $162,788