Composite Manufacturing Engineer

Overview

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 Advanced Aerostructure Assembly. This is a 2nd shift position from 2:30 pm to 12 midnight.

Projects/programs include the support and oversight of current production to help mature manufacturing lines (materials, processes, and Continuous Improvement), as well as Design for Manufacturing (DFM) support for new products, including facility improvements/expansion and capital acquisition. The role requires depth and breadth of aerospace composite manufacturing, processing and materials knowledge, project engineering and leadership experience, and the ability to multitask multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

The candidate will lead and support multiple projects within GA-ASI’s product/platform line including but not limited to:
Grey Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER), Certified Sky Guardian / Sea Guardian (MQ9B), Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), and special projects. The position involves leading/supporting teams of Manufacturing Engineers and technicians and developing manufacturing technology while ensuring aerospace standards and quality requirements are met.

Responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, leading design-for-manufacturing efforts, supporting manufacturing value streams, troubleshooting manufacturing conflicts, developing prototypes and pilot builds, documenting processes, presenting technical information, and collaborating with Design Engineering, Tooling Design, and Quality during prototype development and first article manufacturing. The incumbent will provide input to design and management, develop and maintain work instructions, and manage process changes and non-conformities.

The role also requires observing all laws and regulations and working safely according to established procedures. This is a 2nd shift position.

• Able to work independently and with experienced engineers to devise new approaches to resolve unusual or highly complex manufacturing problems using design-for-manufacturing principles to ensure producibility, inspect-ability, testability, maintainability and repairability.
• Responsible for a portion, or all of the manufacturing value stream for a product line or process, including development, implementation, and continuous improvement to enhance quality/yield, reduce cost, and improve productivity/schedule.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design development vs. production requirements, promote new methods/process equipment, and evaluate special material requirements.
• Assist technicians and other engineers in building prototypes and pilot builds. Document the build process with standardized work instructions, define and implement new manufacturing technologies.
• Document, analyze, and troubleshoot issues that arise and make technical presentations as required to communicate issues up and downstream.
• Provide input to design, technical staff, briefs management, and participate effectively in a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
• Assist in the development of manufacturing processes, procedures and tooling using technical experience and collaboration with the team to improve quality, eliminate non-value-added steps and shorten lead times.
• Collaborate heavily with Design Engineering, Tooling Design, and Quality during prototype development, and first article manufacturing.
• Provide support for the disposition of non-conforming product, identify root cause, and assist in the implementation of corrective/preventative actions.
• Review and approve engineering design changes and ensure their manufacturability.
• Obtain and analyze manufacturing and test data.
• Develop and maintain work instructions to guide technicians in the assembly of assigned products.
• Liaison work orders as required to reflect process changes, non-conformity dispositions and…