General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Aircraft Structures Design Engineer

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or related discipline with at least 2 years of experience, or equivalent experience.
  • Thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and codes; capable of applying them across specialties.
  • Expertise in structural analysis methods including classical calculations and finite element analysis using tools like Mathcad or MATLAB.
  • Skilled in documenting, evaluating, and communicating the pros and cons of structural designs for manufacturability and cost.
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing is a plus.
  • Proficient in parametric CAD tools like NX or Creo, with secondary experience in Simcenter or Nastran.

Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain comprehensive design packages for aircraft structures.
  • Perform structural layouts and analysis to ensure compliance with load paths and strength margins.
  • Document designs and interface studies, integrating data from various sources.
  • Oversee prototype hardware manufacturing and integration processes.
  • Contribute to parts and assembly design and conduct weight and cost analysis studies.
  • Maintain and improve design standards and guides post-assignment.
  • Mentor junior engineers and collaborate effectively within Integrated Product Teams.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for career growth within a leading aerospace company.
  • Engage in advanced technology projects with high-performance design focus.
  • Collaborative team environment that encourages mentorship and knowledge transfer.
  • Potential for exposure to various technical disciplines and leadership training.
  • Work on innovative projects with cutting-edge materials like composites.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will develop high performance component and assembly designs for new and/or modifications to existing air vehicles, payload integrations, and advanced technology concepts. The position focuses on designing, validating, and documenting aircraft primary and secondary structural designs using both composite and metallic materials. Design by analysis methods, which include the use of CAD and integrated finite element tools to develop high performance structures.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Self-starter and detail oriented.
  • Create, review, and maintain design packages.
  • Document designs and interface studies using appropriate information sourced from various inputs.
  • Perform airframe structural layouts, sizing, and detail analyses to validate structural load paths and strength margins in a rapid paced environment.
  • Deliver high quality, error-free designs using concise documentation; ensuring compliance with engineering principles, military, and company standards.
  • Assignments will include conceptual assembly / part design, detail assembly / part design, primary structural layout, trade study analysis, as well as weight and cost sensitivity efforts.
  • General oversight and/or hands-on involvement during the manufacture of prototype hardware at product manufacturing and integration sites.
  • Maintain and improve company standards and design guides after completion of each assignment.
  • Position requires proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance and drawing standards, including Model Based Definition; e.g., ASME Y14.1, ASME Y14.2, ASME Y14.5, ASME Y14.37, and ASME Y14.41.
  • Position requires working knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.
  • Fundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints.
  • Passion for mentoring less experienced engineers and working with other designers to effectively execute designs.
  • Capable of working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages.
  • 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.

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 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.
  • Experience must include classical hand calculations (first order structural sizing), finite element analysis, free-body analysis, and Mathcad, MATLAB, or Excel.
  • 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.
  • Ability to document, trade and communicate pro/cons of structural designs based on. performance/Design For Manufacturability / Design For Cost.
  • Hands on aircraft, aerospace, automotive, or other manufacturing ability considered a plus.
  • Metal and composite part design, fabrication, and repair experience.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Experience with Engineering Tools:
  • NX, Creo or other parametric CAD tools (e.g. Catia, SolidWorks). Fibersim or Catia CW
    • Secondary Tools: NX Simcenter, Creo Simulate, Nastran or Abaqus FE tools.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is preferred.

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
Founded
1955

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