Aircraft System Cost Engineer

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 Aircraft System Cost Engineer to support product development on new programs with the primary goal to influence affordability through establishment of cost targets by sub system and to identify cost and value drivers with the final goal to influence the aircraft system to have the configuration and features required by the customers at the programs specified cost target.

• Provide direct support to the Advanced Airframe Engineering organization in the form of cost modeling and cost analysis to generate defensible estimates of system life cycle costs during conceptual design which matures to estimate costs as the system moves throughout the life cycle. Trade system level impacts to cost via implementation of technology or efficiency assumptions to influence program aircraft configuration decisions and technology development roadmaps.
• The System Cost Engineer will:
  Perform cost analysis via a work breakdown structure (WBS) for active product development projects. Analyze and build representative cost models to identify key cost drivers and target systems for improvement during Conceptual Design. Perform parametric should-cost modelling to identify possible system and sub-system modifications. Effectively summarize analytical findings to internal and external cross-functional teams. Facilitate cross-functional interchanges to elicit improvement ideas.
  
  Build project idea business cases and can track improvement projects with project team members.
• Cost Analysis:
  Able to effectively access and disseminate cost data from various Internal cost systems (SAP, Power BI, and Internal Tools), and external data sources. Perform cost breakdowns to identify key cost drivers and be able to effectively summarize cross-functional teams.
• Cost Modeling and Supplier Analysis:
  Build the technical capability and effectively use parametric cost modeling tools (like SEER, PRICE, or Excel based models) to develop should-cost models to explore design alternatives and their impact to product cost. Perform Excel-based analysis functions. Work directly with engineering teams disseminate key take-aways from cost modelling and analysis work to inform design decisions at the Air Vehicle system level and above.
  
  Establish processes for performing air vehicle system cost modeling and maintain a database of historical results.
• Integrate system level cost analysis tools into a multi-disciplinary Digital Engineering optimization format to include cost as a variable in the Conceptual design process.
• Work closely with Program Management and technical teams to include Cost as a variable in tactical and strategic technology development plans, and support business development activities.
• Ensure compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as required.

• 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.
• Previous industry experience/knowledge in the design and fabrication of aerospace or other relevant commercial products employing advanced composites materials and processing techniques, along with metallic processing and fabrication techniques.
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Strong team player with demonstrated participation in Integrated Product Team (IPT) format.
• Work under general supervision,…