Additive Manufacturing Engineer

Company

General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.

Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.

Profile

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 a dynamic and self-driven entry-level Additive Manufacturing (AM) Engineer in our AM department located in Poway, CA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Become Subject Matter Expert (SME) on metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) primarily, and over time, on other AM modalities. Technologies of interest to be supported by this role could include (but not limited to): Fused Deposition Modeling – FDM, Selective Laser Sintering – SLS, Laser Powder Bed Fusion – LPBF, Binder Jet (sand), LSAM/BAAM, Direct Energy Deposition – Wired (DED-W), DAPS™, SLA, DLP, MJF, ECAM, and other AM technologies.
• Working hand-in-hand with the metal LPBF manufacturing engineer in support of operations and new application development.
• Responsible for AM rapid development and rate production manufacturing workflow, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement to enhance Quality / Yield, reduce Cost, and improve Productivity / Schedule. Initiate and lead lean manufacturing process improvement projects.
• Support manufacturing production planning and coordination, execution and operations process development.
• Support and lead the planning and implementation of AM (incl. post-processing) equipment and associated processes and safety.
• Identify and assist in addressing safety issues on the manufacturing floor.
• Provide production support to AM technicians, assemblers and leads.
• Document manufacturing processes and assembly work instructions in conjunction with support staff.
• Revision of AM specification documentation with key Materials & Process stakeholders.
• Review engineering drawings, and provide expertise on metal LPBF during engineering review processes.
• Learn other AM modalities processes, materials and application space towards supporting new application development through design for AM, manufacturing process optimization and testing.
• Key interface with engineering stakeholders such as design, materials, process and quality.
• Support and lead new technology exploration, assessment and incubation for metal and non-metal AM.
• Work closely with DfAM engineering on manufacturing/production operations, and assist with design engineering’s knowledge transfer and teaching efforts.
• Disposition non-conforming parts, identify root cause analysis, and implement corrective and/or preventive action to reduce scrap and rework.
• Participate in metal AM-related plan development and management for internal R&D projects.
• Participation in internal and external AM group representation (e.g. conferences, collaboration groups, executive management reviews, etc.) as relevant and applicable.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering during development, prototype and first article manufacturing.
• Support with AM supplier onboarding, qualification, relationship building and visits.
• Support in growth strategy of metal AM within AM department and across GA divisions.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelors in engineering or a related technical field as well as two or more years of manufacturing engineering experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Direct experience with industrial-class production additive manufacturing technologies, processes and applications. Defense-related manufacturing environment is highly desired.
• Hands-on experience with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technologies metal AM as a designer, and as a user of the LPBF to manufacture industrial parts. Complementary hands-on experience with design and printing operations with other AM modalities (metal and non-metals) are also very valuable.
• Experience with the entire AM workflow from business considerations, design, pre-print considerations and planning, printing, post-processing and qualification process. Special considerations for metal LPBF technologies.
• Experience with metal LPBF and/or other industrial AM printers and associated post-processing equipment and safety procedure
• Working knowledge of most key AM technologies, and their associated characteristics and applicability/use cases for defense/aviation/aerospace is highly desired.
• Experience in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM).
• Experience dealing with AM suppliers (service bureaus, materials and hardware providers, software providers, etc.)
• Background knowledge of conventional manufacturing processes (complementary to metal AM, such as CNC machining, casting, welding, metrology, assembly, bonding, etc.)
• Clearly and effectively communicate both verbally and in written form to both technical and non-technical audiences, especially regarding manufacturing processes, engineering issues and proposed changes, and quality issues and dispositions.
• Ability to form and foster rich AM networking and keep engaged.
• Experience with Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Project, Excel and Visio.
• Experience with MRP systems is an advantage, (e.g. SAP or MTO/WDS.)
• Experience with PLM systems is an advantage (e.g. Teamcenter, Windchill, etc.)
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be self-driven, like to innovate, and want to learn more and more.
• Ability to influence others, develop a plan and rally a team around it, lead small team.
• Able to work extended hours and travel occasionally as required.
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance is required.

Salary: $68,770 – $116,193