Mechanical Engineer, Structural Analysis and Design
San Diego, California
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: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Mechanical Engineer, Structural Analysis and Design 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 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 available within our Mechanical Engineering Team working with lasers and advanced sensors, nuclear and nuclear thermal propulsion, and satellite orbital activities. We are looking for an entry level engineer with structural analysis and design experience dealing with military and airborne systems to join our team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ability to develop engineering solutions that require creative designs, detailed analysis, investigation and resolution of routine engineering problems.
- Will work on aerospace systems, high energy lasers, electro-optical systems and other various systems.
- Ability to complete mechanical designs including: structural analysis, structural dynamics, 3D CAD and engineering drawings.
- Determines technical objectives and develop innovative, practical solutions to advanced technical engineering problems.
- Addresses complex and difficult technical issues requiring highly creative approaches, drawing on advanced engineering concepts.
- Ability to work and lead in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Hands on work environment and high level of interaction with system components. Oversee prototype builds and implement lessons learned into design.
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 or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
- Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
- Candidate should have experience with structural design. Exposure to laboratory environment preferred, including materials characterization, materials testing, vibration testing, and failure analysis.
- Real world experience analyzing modal, random vibration, shock, and stress including correlation of analytical results to test is ideal. Experienced with composites and ceramics is a plus. Ideal candidate has mechanical design experience as well.
- Experience with application of analytical results to relevant structural codes and criteria including fatigue and fracture analysis is ideal.
- Previous experience with optical system, flight systems, or military systems is desired.
- Experience with CAD, FEA software such as Solidworks, ANSYS, NASTRAN, FEMAP is desired.
- Experience with Matlab is helpful
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
Salary:$68,770 - $116,193
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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