General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Electrical/Mechanical - Systems Project Engineer

Poway, CA 92064In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Engineering or related field; relevant progressive engineering experience.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles and ability to manage engineering tasks effectively.
  • Quick to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-department collaboration.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.
  • Experience in directing system-level design with documentation skills.
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze production processes to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce costs.
  • Design factory layouts and select appropriate equipment for new product lines.
  • Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance instructions.
  • Support installation and continuous improvement of complex manufacturing equipment.
  • Create and manage electrical schematics and manufacturing documentation.
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues using electrical diagrams and systematic analysis.
  • Program and optimize Allen-Bradley PLC systems and HMI controls to enhance operations.

Benefits

  • Hands-on experience with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
  • Opportunities for involvement in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
  • Work in a fast-paced, evolving environment that encourages learning.
  • Ability to influence important engineering processes and outcomes.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult engineering problems. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff and makes technical presentations as required. May coordinate segments of a specific project and may have frequent inter- organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues. Provides direction to design or technical staff and may provide direction to less experienced professional staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Studying existing production processes to fix bottlenecks, reduce scrap, and lower production costs.
  • Planning factory layouts and selecting the right equipment for new product lines.
  • Creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance and work instructions.
  • Provide manufacturing engineering support for the installation, integration, operation, and continuous improvement of complex industrial and electrical manufacturing equipment.
  • Develop, review, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, power distribution drawings, equipment layouts, and manufacturing documentation.
  • Support the design and implementation of electrical systems for production equipment, including power distribution, control panels, motors, drives, sensors, instrumentation, and machine interfaces.
  • Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and equipment issues on the manufacturing floor using electrical drawings, schematics, PLC diagnostics, test equipment, and systematic root-cause analysis.
  • Program, modify, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC systems and associated HMI controls to improve equipment functionality, reliability, and manufacturing processes.
  • Integrate and troubleshoot industrial control components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, mass flow controllers, sensors, interlocks, power supplies, and other automated equipment.
  • Support the commissioning, startup, qualification, and acceptance testing of new and modified manufacturing equipment.
  • Work directly with manufacturing personnel, technicians, engineers, vendors, and contractors to resolve equipment and process issues.
  • Develop and implement manufacturing processes, work instructions, equipment procedures, and technical documentation to support safe and repeatable production operations.
  • Analyze equipment failures, production interruptions, and recurring process issues to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Assist with the design and modification of electrical infrastructure, including power distribution, panelboards, disconnects, control circuits, grounding, and equipment connections.
  • Perform electrical and equipment assessments to identify opportunities for improved safety, reliability, maintainability, and production efficiency.
  • Coordinate with equipment manufacturers and engineering teams to resolve technical issues, interpret equipment documentation, and ensure systems meet manufacturing requirements.
  • Generate and maintain engineering documentation including electrical drawings, schematics, bills of materials, equipment specifications, commissioning documentation, and change documentation.
  • Apply applicable electrical codes, engineering standards, safety requirements, and company procedures when designing, modifying, and troubleshooting manufacturing equipment.
  • Utilize electrical test equipment, diagnostic tools, PLC software, and engineering analysis to identify and resolve complex equipment and manufacturing problems.
  • Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment uptime, process capability, cycle time, quality, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and provide hands-on engineering support to production teams, with an emphasis on rapid troubleshooting and permanent corrective solutions.

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; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrates a broad understanding of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, and schedule.
  • Must be able to understand and apply new concepts quickly in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Must have strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments.
  • Must have ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.
  • Must have ability to direct system-level design through interconnects and interface control documentation.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a 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
Founded
1955

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Electrical/Mechanical - Systems Project Engineer jobs: