Engineer IV

General Atomics • San Diego, CA

25d • Onsite

About The Position

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. 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 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA tools such as ANSYS.
• Ability to participate in reliability and safety activities such as FMEA and other risk assessments.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, and apply them in an evolving environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance at or above the Secret level is required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with EVMS concepts.
• A Professional Engineering (PE) license or other professional recognition (such as publications, presentations, or review panel participation) are desirable.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior