General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Mechanical Sustainment Engineer

Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or related field with progressive experience (6+ years for Bachelor's; 4+ for Master's; 2+ for PhD).
  • Demonstrated experience applying mechanical engineering principles in organizing and coordinating workloads.
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (Creo and SolidWorks) for modeling and GD&T detail drawing creation, including tolerance stack-up analysis.
  • Experience with structural analysis using FEA tools like ANSYS and hand calculations.
  • Familiarity with FMEA and risk assessment methodologies; ability to adapt to evolving environments.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance at or above the Secret level.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to design and sustain ALRE energy absorption systems and hardware.
  • Determine technical objectives and solutions for complex mechanical engineering challenges under senior guidance.
  • Perform structural and mechanical analyses, documenting assumptions and results.
  • Develop and update 3D models and engineering drawings, applying GD&T per ASME standards.
  • Contribute to design activities focusing on manufacturability and sustainability considerations.
  • Participate in FMEA and other risk assessments to ensure reliability and safety of systems.
  • Assist in the development, testing, and documentation of engineering solutions.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on advanced aircraft carrier systems and equipment.
  • Engagement with a multi-disciplinary engineering team fosters diverse professional growth.
  • Access to cutting-edge tools like Creo, SolidWorks, and ANSYS enhances technical skills.
  • Participate in high-stakes projects requiring innovative problem solving and risk management.
  • Exposure to compliance and quality assurance processes within a dynamic industry.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Our Mechanical Engineering team has an exciting opportunity in San Diego, CA, for a Mechanical Engineer eager to make history by joining the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) system sustainment team-part of the most advanced aircraft carrier systems.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with hands-on experience in design for manufacturing and maintaining energy absorption systems used to safely decelerate aircraft during carrier landings. The role includes 3D modeling and GD&T-driven detailed drawing creation in Creo and SolidWorks, including tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure fit, function, and manufacturability in demanding maritime environments.

The ideal candidate will be skilled in structural analysis using tools such as ANSYS, building cross-functional relationships, and efficiently driving engineering tasks to completion under the guidance of senior staff. This role requires designing for reliability and safety, including participation in FMEA and other risk assessment activities, and contributing to innovative solutions and clear technical documentation and presentations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work within a multi-disciplinary engineering team (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Software, Manufacturing, and Systems) to support design, analysis, and sustainment of ALRE energy absorption systems and related hardware.
  • Support the determination of technical objectives and solution paths for advanced mechanical engineering problems, under the direction of senior engineers and engineering management.
  • Perform structural and mechanical analyses (including stress, deflection, and fatigue assessments) using hand calculations and FEA tools such as ANSYS; document assumptions, methods, and results.
  • Develop and update 3D models and engineering drawings in SolidWorks and/or Creo, applying GD&T per ASME standards and performing tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit and function.
  • Contribute to design-for-manufacturing and design-for-sustainment activities, including materials selection, corrosion-resistant design practices, and support for production and fielded systems.
  • Participate in FMEA and other risk assessment methodologies to support reliability and safety of energy absorption systems and associated components.
  • Assist in formulating plans and supporting the development, testing, documentation, integration, and safety/compliance of engineering solutions.
  • Support the maintenance of engineering solutions through documentation, reporting, and technical presentations to ensure viability in an evolving environment.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, process documentation, and engineering change documentation such as change requests (CRs), engineering change notices (ECNs) in coordination with configuration management.
  • Provide technical input to procurement documents, specifications, and Statements of Work (SOWs) for engineered components and assemblies; support technical evaluations to aid procurement decisions.
  • Coordinate with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Procurement, Program Office, Planning, Configuration Management, vendors, and customers to resolve design-related issues and support production and test schedules.
  • Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information and ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and company procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required.

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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Candidates must have demonstrated experience applying mechanical engineering principles with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (Creo and SolidWorks) for modeling and GD&T-based detailed drawing creation, including tolerance stack-up analysis, is required, as is the ability to perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools such as ANSYS.
  • Candidates should be able to participate in reliability and safety activities such as FMEA and other risk assessments, understand new concepts quickly, and apply them in an evolving environment.
  • Familiarity with EVMS concepts and a Professional Engineering (PE) license or other professional recognition (such as publications, presentations, or review panel participation) are desirable.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, along with a customer-focused mindset, the ability to work independently or in a team, and willingness to work extended hours and travel as needed.
  • Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance at or above the Secret level 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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