Job SummaryGeneral Atomics Inertial Fusion Technology (IFT) division designs, manufactures and characterized first-of-a-kind precision components in support of the National Laboratories, fusion and science technologies. Components are manufactured and measured on a variety of highly-specialized and precise equipment and are often millimeter in scale with micron-sized features and tolerances. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Materials/Chemical Process Engineer to join our Energy - Inertial Fusion Technology Team, located in Torrey Pines, CA.
Under general supervision and with regular review, this position supports the NIF (National Ignition Facility) Capsule Production (NCP) team in the fabrication, characterization, and delivery of precision capsules to US National Labs. This position assists the scientific/engineering staff in the development, production, and analysis of novel materials required for high energy density plasma physics experiments conducted by National Laboratory scientists on inertial confinement fusion research. This is a high visibility role that will interact with a variety of stakeholders across multidisciplinary domains (physics, materials science, chemical engineering, machine learning, and manufacturing).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Represent the organization as a technical expert in Materials/Chemical Processes Engineering.
- Applies technical knowledge to analyze, investigate and resolve assigned Materials/Chemical Engineering problems.
- Performs functional testing and troubleshooting of equipment and systems in assigned area(s) by utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.
- Obtains and analyzes test data.
- Develop presentations, report findings, and implement solutions in Management Reviews.
- May provide directions to design and/or production staff.
- Collaborate with internal and external customers to achieve programmatic goals.
- Develop and implement novel solutions for custom manufacturing processes.
- Write SOP's and implement monitoring for new and existing processes.
- Contributes to peer reviewed papers in recognized scientific journals. •
- Ensure technical competency and contractual compliance with government and industry standards including ISO9001 & NAP401 Standards.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Working with hazardous laboratory processes and chemicals as needed (X-ray equipment, corrosive acids, beryllium, pressurized vessels, etc.)
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
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.
- Prefer degrees in Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar fields.
- Experience performing data analysis on large unstructured datasets.
- Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas/results to internal and external customers.
- Ability to work with cross functional teams from a wide variety of scientific/technical backgrounds.
- Must have a general understanding of Materials and Process Engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
- Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
- Good communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Must be able to work extended hours as required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Class Q clearance.
- Desirable Additional Qualifications
- Experience with thin film deposition techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), sputtering, and plasma polymerization.
- Experience with material characterization techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRF, FTIR, AFM, X-ray CT, and radiography.
- Experience with optical characterization techniques such as interferometry, digital holographic microscopy (DHM), and confocal microscopy.
- Experience in material processing such as surface finishing, polishing, and etching.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, LabVIEW, and/or JMP for data analysis and instrument control.
