Mechanical Engineer

and the job listing Expires on February 19, 2026

See the linked referral for current list of job opportunities offering:

• Competitive compensation
• Benefit package for full time employees
• Internships
• Various locations
• Entry-Level Positions
• Pension

Find the career that best fits your skill set and submit application here.

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer at our Herndon, VA location. Our team in Herndon provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. The staff there has a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach for generating innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments);

unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

• Independently performs difficult/complex engineering work with instructions as to the general expected results.
• Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff, makes technical presentations, and 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.
• Supports operation of engineering systems and documents any problems.
• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design/development requirements, difficult coordination requirements, and special material requirements.
• Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

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

• 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.
• Previous experience with satellite space systems is required.
• Experience with CAD and FEA software such as Solidworks, NASTRAN or ANSYS is required.
• Experience with structural analysis of metallic and composite spacecraft structures is highly desirable.
• Experience in hardware spacecraft testing, environmental testing, and test requirements is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency in…