Composite MFG Engineer

Job Summary General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Composites Manufacturing Engineer in our GA-ASI/Aircraft Systems Group supporting either 1st or 2nd shift.

This position required depth and breadth of aerospace composite manufacturing, processing and materials knowledge. Project engineering and leadership experience is required. Must be able to multitask multiple and complex projects while staying organized in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to collaborate, negotiate, and work with internal and external groups to ensure ideas come to fruition.

As an Experienced Composite Manufacturing Engineer your role will be to lead and support - through rigorous quantitative analysis - multiple projects within GA-ASI’s product/platform line suite (Improved Grey Eagle, SkyGuardian, special projects, etc.), and within our range of manufacturing operations (material cutting/kitting, lamination, cure, demold, trim/drill/machining, and assembly). This includes leading/supporting top-tier teams of Manufacturing Engineers and technicians and developing manufacturing technology while ensuring aerospace standards and quality requirements are met.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Much of GA-ASI Composites Manufacturing Engineering roles/responsibilities are centered on projects. Projects range from program/platform leadership/support, maturing manufacturing/materials/processes, continuous improvement, capital acquisition, and facility improvements/expansion. Projects originate from a data-based articulation of need within Composites Manufacturing.
• Must have an extensive working knowledge of advanced composites production operations
  • Experience with prepreg lamination
  • Familiar with laser projector systems
  • Familiar with design, fabrication, and maintenance of lamination mold tooling
  • Hands-on experience with FiberSim is preferred
  • Knowledge of ATL and/or AFP is desirable
• Knowledge of cure process requirements and control systems for composites is required
• Familiarity with CNC machining of composites is desirable
• Devise new approaches to resolve unusual or highly complex manufacturing problems through early, upfront design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles to ensure producibility, inspectability, testability, maintainability and repairability.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design development vs. production requirements, promotes new methods / process equipment, and evaluates special material requirements.
• Define and implement new manufacturing technologies.
• Provides input to design, technical staff, briefs management, and participates effectively in a team of experienced professional staff.
• Develop composite manufacturing processes, procedures and tooling using technical experience and collaborative interaction with the team to improve quality, eliminate non-value-added steps and shorten lead times.
• Initiate and implement Lean and Six Sigma Projects to improve safety, improve quality, and lower costs.
• Establish process/specification control limits while seeking out opportunities for Poka Yoke.
• Oversee prototype and pilot builds, document the build process with standardized work instructions, develop shop aids and routers
• Lead PFMEAs
• May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single component projects.
• Provides direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s 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 bachelor’s degree, four or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and lead a team of moderately experienced professional employees on single component projects.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License and original work published in professional engineering journals are desirable.
• Ability to obtain an maintain a DoD secret clearance is required.