General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Engineer VI

Poway, CA 92064In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Engineering or related discipline with 7-12 years of experience.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles and broad application in aerospace.
  • Proven ability to quickly grasp and utilize new concepts in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
  • Experience with FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, or other aeroelastic codes preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is essential.
  • Must be eligible for and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of aeroelasticity and dynamics engineers.
  • Plan and coordinate team workloads to meet project goals and objectives.
  • Oversee development of structural dynamic and aeroelastic models for simulations.
  • Guide the execution of static and dynamic aeroelastic analyses and assessments.
  • Ensure integration of analyses with structures, flight controls, and systems engineering.
  • Support test requirement definition and correlation with test data.
  • Improve methods and best practices for aeroelasticity and dynamics analyses.

Benefits

  • Career development guidance and mentorship opportunities.
  • Access to advanced tools and analysis methodologies in aerospace.
  • Engagement in high-stakes projects related to unmanned aircraft.
  • Participation in technical reviews and leadership meetings.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams and leaders.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

We have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aeroelasticity and Dynamics Engineering Supervisor position within our Airframe Integrity Group located in Poway, CA. This position will report to the Senior Manager of Loads and Dynamics Engineering and will focus on overseeing and leading a team of engineers in planning and executing efforts towards the analysis, prediction, and validation of the air vehicle structural dynamics and aeroelastic stability of GA-ASI unmanned aircraft systems and related products. This role ensures that aircraft and payload configurations meet aeroelastic, aeroservoelastic, and dynamic response requirements across the product lifecycle, from early concept development through flight test and sustainment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead and develop a team of aeroelasticity and dynamics engineers, providing technical direction, mentoring, performance feedback, and career development guidance.
  • Plan, prioritize, and coordinate team workloads to meet program cost, schedule, and technical objectives in alignment with the Senior Manager of Loads and Dynamics and company objectives.
  • Oversee the development and application of structural dynamic, aeroelastic, and aeroservoelastic models using finite element models (FEM), aerodynamic panel models, spline definitions, and flight control stability augmentation system for use in integrated aeroelastic simulations.
  • Guide the execution and review of static and dynamic aeroelastic analyses, modal analyses, and stability assessments to support structural design, flight controls, and certification activities.
  • Ensure proper integration of aeroelasticity and dynamics analyses with adjacent disciplines, including structures, flight controls, systems engineering, test, and airworthiness/certification.
  • Support the definition of test requirements and correlation of analytical models with ground and flight test data, including modal surveys, ground vibration test, vibration tests, and flutter flight testing.
  • Establish, maintain, and improve analysis methods, tools, and best practices for aeroelasticity and dynamics, promoting standardization and quality across programs.
  • Provide technical leadership and sign-off for key engineering deliverables, including reports, flutter clearances, dynamic response assessments, and design recommendations.
  • Participate in and lead technical reviews (PDR, CDR, safety reviews, etc.), presenting analysis results, risks, and mitigation plans to internal leadership and external customers as required.
  • Identify technical risks related to aeroelastic and dynamic behavior, develop mitigation strategies, and support trade studies that balance performance, weight, cost, and safety.
  • Collaborate with program management, chief engineers, and other functional leaders to ensure that aeroelasticity and dynamics considerations are incorporated into program plans and milestones.
  • Support proposals and new business activities by defining scope, estimating effort, and developing technical content related to loads, aeroelasticity, and dynamics.

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; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. 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.
  • 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.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Experience with FEMAP, NASTRAN, MATLAB, ZAERO, or any aeroelastic codes preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.
  • 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

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