General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Aircraft Configuration and Structural Design Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc • $120K — $145K *
Poway, CA 92064In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline (Master's or PhD preferred) with extensive experience (10-15+ years).
  • Expert-level knowledge in aircraft configuration design and system synthesis.
  • Proficient in lofting aircraft Outer and Inner Mold Lines (OMLs/IMLs), with ability to create associated surface models.
  • Familiar with composite and metallic materials and structural joints.
  • Proficient with NX or similar parametric CAD tools (Catia, Creo).

Responsibilities

  • Lead multidisciplinary design teams for aircraft configuration and structural development efforts.
  • Document and ensure compliance of configuration and airframe designs with engineering principles and standards.
  • Execute conceptual trade studies such as propulsion path layout and weapons integration.
  • Mentor junior engineers in air vehicle configuration and structural analysis.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to solve complex design challenges.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge aerospace projects in a dynamic team environment.
  • Access to advanced engineering tools and technologies.
  • Flexible work hours catering to project demands.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced Aircraft Configuration and Structural Design Engineer position within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Aircraft and Special Projects Engineering and will contribute towards the development of new and/or modifications to Advanced Programs aircraft layouts and lofts for both unclassified and classified pursuits.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Self-starter and detail oriented.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on a significant effort, such as serving as a configuration and/or air vehicle lead for conceptual efforts at a minimum and up to detailed configuration developments.
  • Expert-level experience with aircraft configuration design, sizing, and system synthesis.
  • Experience lofting aircraft Outer Mold Lines (OMLs) and Inner Mold Line (IML) flow paths with the ability to create numerous associated surface models to support functional team analyses (CFD, CEM, FEA), including scaled wind tunnel models.
  • Document configuration and airframe designs and interface studies using appropriate information sourced from various inputs; ensuring compliance with engineering principles, program requirements, military, and company standards.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.
  • Fundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints.
  • Fundamental knowledge of designing for RF and IR signature reduction to improve air vehicle survivability (shaping, fan face obscuration, materials and treatments, edges, control surfaces, hardware and systems integrations and provisions, interfaces, steps and gaps, transitions, etc.).
  • Broad based knowledge of aircraft systems integration and their corresponding system functions and interactions.
  • Experience executing conceptual trades such as engine selection, propulsion path layout, planform selection, control effector layout, landing gear layouts, fuel system integration, weapons integration, mass properties and Center of Gravity (CG) calculations with recommended stability margins, etc.
  • Experience leading technical reviews.
  • Capable of working within and influencing cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPT), interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of configuration and /or engineering design solutions to challenging problems.
  • Can accept broad objectives with reasonable deadlines, but establishes and communicates the tasks required and how they should be completed.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to document and present information in a concise manner appropriate for leadership review.
  • Create/review proposals and/or marketing concepts and ensuring a balanced execution/risk posture given affordability, competitiveness, performance, and strategic objectives.
  • Ability to multi-task and work numerous efforts ranging from configuration layout and lofting of air vehicles, to coordination/execution of airframe structural designs, to reviewing / developing / improving methods, tools and standards for air vehicle and airframe developments across programs.
  • Working with the Senior Manager to mentor and develop peers with the capability to configure aircraft and provision for subsystem keep-in and keep-out zones, perform airframe layouts and generate OML lofts from conceptual and up to production quality.
  • Working closely with our Flight Technologies organization to performing/support aircraft sizing calculations using industry accepted references and methods.

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.
  • Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; capable of expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and able to apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Experience with Engineering Tools: NX or other parametric CAD tools (e.g. Catia, Creo).
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance is required.

About General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a leading designer and manufacturer of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities. The company is headquartered in Poway, California, and has additional offices and facilities around the world.
Learn more about General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc
Size
14,000 employees
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Founded
1955
* Ladders Estimates

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