Loads and Dynamics Engineer

Loads and Dynamics Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

San Diego, CA (Poway, CA) – Full-Time
Salary: 68,770 – 116,193

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 in San Diego, CA (Poway, CA) for a Loads and Dynamics Engineer in our Airframe Integrity Group. Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult engineering problems.

• Responsible for supporting the design of new products, expanding capability to existing products, and integrating new payloads onto existing platforms.
• Perform loads and dynamics analysis of aircraft components, assemblies, and systems.
• Develop design and repeated loads for air vehicle flight, landing, and ground operations.
• Flight loads analysis includes development of open and closed loop aeroelastic flight loads models and calculation of aerodynamic and inertial loads across the aircraft.
• Landing and ground loads include hand calculation methods, structural dynamics, and explicit simulations of landings.
• Dynamics analysis includes normal modes, frequency response, random vibration, and development of vibration and shock environmental criteria.
• Develop aeroelastic models for use in flutter and aeroservoelastic analysis.
• Utilize ground vibration test data to correlate structural dynamics models.
• Perform analysis by means of classical and computer methods, and develop new methodologies for load development.
• Generate documentation to support design and airworthiness certification using MIL, STANAG, or FAR standards.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree (may substitute equivalent experience).
• General understanding of engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating application while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Good communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience performing FEA on composite airframes/structures.
• Working knowledge of panel codes, NASTRAN, or ABAQUS software (preferred).
• Experience with aeroelastic loads development, closed-loop flight control systems, flutter, in‑flight testing, and explicit time‑domain analysis for load development (desirable).
• Experience in the aerospace or related industry with loads analysis and development (required).
• Experience with MATLAB, Excel, Visual Basic, panel codes, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, ZAERO, or other loads/dynamics software.
• Familiarity with loads development, statics, dynamics, aerodynamics, stability and control, and vibrations.
• Familiarity with gusts, landing simulations, and flutter.
• Working knowledge of JSSG, Mil‑Spec, and FAA airworthiness requirements (advantageous).
• Ability to work extended hours as required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

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