{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"a0abbafc3864dfd391f4a7db","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/a0abbafc3864dfd391f4a7db","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/a0abbafc3864dfd391f4a7db","title":"Aircraft Structures Design Engineer","description":"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.\n\nWe have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will develop high performance component and assembly designs for new and/or modifications to existing advanced air vehicles, in addition to supporting classified pursuits. The position focuses on designing, validating, and documenting aircraft primary and secondary structural designs using both composite and metallic materials. Design by analysis methods, which include the use of CAD and integrated finite element tools to develop high performance structures.\n\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\nCreate and maintain Advance Airframe CAD models, drawings of installations, assembly and detail components that meet all requirements such as structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight and cost targets as directed by the lead.\nProduce airframe structural configuration layouts and detail designs including preliminary sizing/stress analysis, joint layouts, interface boundary definitions of parts and assemblies employing metallic and composite materials.\nExperience with the composite part detail process, including composites stacking sequence, lamination theory, honeycomb core, bonded assemblies, manufacturing assembly and fabrication processes, post-cure machining operations.\nCoordinate and collaborate with members of stress, manufacturing, procurement, quality control and other departments as required to mature the design from conception to production.\nStrong technical background including familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair and assembly of composite components for aerospace.\nExperience with engineering and manufacturing development and production of structural parts and assemblies utilizing composite materials.\nExperience with prototype and/or rate part production with exposure to tool design, manufacturing planning and hands on fabrication.\nPosition requires proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance and drawing standards, including Model Based Definition; e.g., ASME Y14.1, ASME Y14.2, ASME Y14.5, ASME Y14.37, and ASME Y14.41.\nPosition requires working knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods.\nFundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints.\nCan accept broad objectives with reasonable deadlines, but establishes and communicates the tasks required and how they should be completed.\nMust demonstrate the ability to document and present information in a concise manner appropriate for leadership review.\nAbility to create and maintain parametric product geometry models is desired.\nCapable of working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages.\nWe recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.\n\nJob Qualifications\nTypically 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.\nMust have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; capable of expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.\nExperience must include classical hand calculations (first order structural sizing), finite element analysis, free-body analysis, and Mathcad, MATLAB, or Excel.\nMust possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and able to apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.\nMust have experience using primary CAD tools: NX, Creo or other parametric CAD tools (e.g. Catia, SolidWorks). Fibersim or Catia CWB.\nSecondary CAD tool experience desired: NX Simcenter, Creo Simulate, Nastran or Abaqus FE tools.\nProficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.\nAbility to document, trade and communicate pro/cons of structural designs based on performance/Design For Manufacturability / Design For Cost.\nHands on aircraft, aerospace, automotive, or other manufacturing ability considered a plus.\nMetal and composite part design, fabrication, and repair experience.\nAble to work extended hours as required.\nAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.\nJob Category\nEngineering\nExperience Level\nMid-Level (3-7 years)\nWorkstyle\nHybrid\nFull-Time/Part-Time\nFull-Time Salary\nPay Range Low\n81,080\nPay Range High\n141,650\nTravel Percentage Required\n0% - 25%\nRelocation Assistance Provided?\nYes\nUS Citizenship Required?\nYes\nClearance Required?\nDesired\nClearance Level\nSecret\nSearch Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies","company":"General Atomics","rawCompany":"general atomics","city":"Poway","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-01T06:59:28.138Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"},{"code":"336413","title":"Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"},{"code":"541330","title":"Engineering Services","slug":"engineering-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Aircraft Structures Design Engineer","description":"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.\n\nWe have an exciting career opportunity for a highly motivated, experienced Aircraft Structures Design Engineer within our AeroStructures Design Team located in Poway, CA. This position will develop high performance component and assembly designs for new and/or modifications to existing advanced air vehicles, in addition to supporting classified pursuits. The position focuses on designing, validating, and documenting aircraft primary and secondary structural designs using both composite and metallic materials. Design by analysis methods, which include the use of CAD and integrated finite element tools to develop high performance structures.\n\nDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:\nCreate and maintain Advance Airframe CAD models, drawings of installations, assembly and detail components that meet all requirements such as structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight and cost targets as directed by the lead.\nProduce airframe structural configuration layouts and detail designs including preliminary sizing/stress analysis, joint layouts, interface boundary definitions of parts and assemblies employing metallic and composite materials.\nExperience with the composite part detail process, including composites stacking sequence, lamination theory, honeycomb core, bonded assemblies, manufacturing assembly and fabrication processes, post-cure machining operations.\nCoordinate and collaborate with members of stress, manufacturing, procurement, quality control and other departments as required to mature the design from conception to production.\nStrong technical background including familiarity with industry standards for the manufacture, repair and assembly of composite components for aerospace.\nExperience with engineering and manufacturing development and production of structural parts and assemblies utilizing composite materials.\nExperience with prototype and/or rate part production with exposure to tool design, manufacturing planning and hands on fabrication.\nPosition requires proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance and drawing standards, including Model Based Definition; e.g., ASME Y14.1, ASME Y14.2, ASME Y14.5, ASME Y14.37, and ASME Y14.41.\nPosition requires working knowledge of classical and numerical (Finite Element) stress analysis methods.\nFundamental knowledge of composite and metallic materials and structural joints.\nCan accept broad objectives with reasonable deadlines, but establishes and communicates the tasks required and how they should be completed.\nMust demonstrate the ability to document and present information in a concise manner appropriate for leadership review.\nAbility to create and maintain parametric product geometry models is desired.\nCapable of working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment, interfacing with IPT leadership, suppliers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare/status and/or lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages.\nWe recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.\n\nJob Qualifications\nTypically 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.\nMust have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; capable of expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.\nExperience must include classical hand calculations (first order structural sizing), finite element analysis, free-body analysis, and Mathcad, MATLAB, or Excel.\nMust possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and able to apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.\nMust have experience using primary CAD tools: NX, Creo or other parametric CAD tools (e.g. Catia, SolidWorks). Fibersim or Catia CWB.\nSecondary CAD tool experience desired: NX Simcenter, Creo Simulate, Nastran or Abaqus FE tools.\nProficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.\nAbility to document, trade and communicate pro/cons of structural designs based on performance/Design For Manufacturability / Design For Cost.\nHands on aircraft, aerospace, automotive, or other manufacturing ability considered a plus.\nMetal and composite part design, fabrication, and repair experience.\nAble to work extended hours as required.\nAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.\nJob Category\nEngineering\nExperience Level\nMid-Level (3-7 years)\nWorkstyle\nHybrid\nFull-Time/Part-Time\nFull-Time Salary\nPay Range Low\n81,080\nPay Range High\n141,650\nTravel Percentage Required\n0% - 25%\nRelocation Assistance Provided?\nYes\nUS Citizenship Required?\nYes\nClearance Required?\nDesired\nClearance Level\nSecret\nSearch Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies","datePosted":"2026-08-01T06:59:28.138Z","dateModified":"2026-08-01T06:59:28.138Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"General Atomics","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Poway","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"a0abbafc3864dfd391f4a7db"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/a0abbafc3864dfd391f4a7db"}}