Engineer III

5228884No5313300610.00.013-Jul-2026Engineer IIIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems

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 career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will develop high performance component and assembly designs for new and/or modifications to existing advanced air vehicles, in addition to supporting classified pursuits. The position focuses on designing, validating, and documenting aircraft primary and secondary structural designs using both composite and metallic materials. Design by analysis methods, which include the use of CAD and integrated finite element tools to develop high performance structures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and maintain Advance Airframe CAD models, drawings of installations, assembly and detail components that meet all requirements such as structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight and cost targets as directed by the lead.
• Produce airframe structural configuration layouts and detail designs including preliminary sizing/stress analysis, joint layouts, interface boundary definitions of parts and assemblies employing metallic and composite materials.
• Experience with the composite part detail process, including composites stacking sequence, lamination theory, honeycomb core, bonded assemblies, manufacturing assembly and fabrication processes, post-cure machining operations.
• Coordinate and collaborate with members of stress, manufacturing, procurement, quality control and other departments as required to mature the design from conception to production.  
• Strong technical background including familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair and assembly of composite components for aerospace.
• Experience with engineering and manufacturing development and production of structural parts and assemblies utilizing composite materials.
• Experience with prototype and/or rate part production with exposure to tool design, manufacturing planning and hands on fabrication.
• Position requires proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance and drawing standards, including Model Based Definition; e.g., ASME Y14.1, ASME Y14.2, ASME Y14.5, ASME Y14.37, and ASME Y14.41.
• Position requires working knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods.
• Fundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints.
• Can accept broad objectives with reasonable deadlines, but establishes and communicates the tasks required and how they should be completed.
• Must demonstrate the ability to document and present information in a concise manner appropriate for leadership review.
• Ability to create and maintain parametric product geometry models is desired.
• Capable of working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

56095BREngineering0% - 25% Full-Time Salary California Secret81,080PowayDesired141,650Aircraft Structures Design Engineer

• 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.
• 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.
• Experience must include classical hand calculations (first order structural sizing), finite element analysis, free-body analysis, and Mathcad, MATLAB, or Excel.
• 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.
• Must have experience using primary CAD tools: NX, Creo or other parametric CAD tools (e.g. Catia, SolidWorks). Fibersim or Catia CWB.
• Secondary CAD tool experience desired: NX Simcenter, Creo Simulate, Nastran or Abaqus FE tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.
• Ability to document, trade and communicate pro/cons of structural designs based on performance/Design For Manufacturability / Design For Cost.
• Hands on aircraft, aerospace, automotive, or other manufacturing ability considered a plus.
• Metal and composite part design, fabrication, and repair experience.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

YesMid-Level (3-7 years) YesHybrid