Mechanical Design Engineer
General Atomics · San Diego, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $100,000 / year
- San Diego, CA
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Mechanical Design Engineer
General Atomics · San Diego, CA
Casey Reed
Hiring Manager · h•••••@sjobs.brassring.com
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Subject: Interested in the Mechanical Design Engineer role at General Atomics
Hi Casey — I came across the Mechanical Design Engineer opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and General Atomics stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Design and analyze mechanical components for radiation monitoring systems.
- Update legacy designs and manage part obsolescence.
- Utilize CAD software and GD&T for design documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage projects.
- Ensure designs meet nuclear industry standards and requirements.
About the role
Job Summary
General Atomics (GA) is a leader in high-technology systems development across various sectors including nuclear fuel cycle, remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) specializes in designing and manufacturing novel electromagnetic and electric power generation systems for defense, industrial, and commercial clients worldwide. These systems support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications.
GA-EMS is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer for its Radiation Monitoring Systems team in Rancho Bernardo, CA. This team is responsible for the design and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and software systems used in nuclear power plants globally for radiation detection and monitoring. The role involves the mechanical design and analysis of RMS equipment, including structural frames, piping, and enclosures. Responsibilities include creating original designs, updating legacy designs due to obsolescence or customer requests, and ensuring designs meet objectives with work reviewed at milestones or completion.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with CAD Designers and engineering support to produce documentation such as engineering drawings, source control drawings, system specifications, and test procedures.
- Conduct advanced calculations and/or modeling to support design decisions.
- Present designs to peers, management, and stakeholders for feedback.
- Manage and work on multiple projects concurrently.
- Review design changes as part of the change management process to ensure equipment meets requirements.
- Resolve non-compliant issues identified by the quality department and disposition them appropriately.
- Support and participate in customer and outside agency audits.
- Maintain system designs by addressing part obsolescence: Locate Form, Fit, and Function replacements for obsolete parts, modify designs to use new parts with minimal impact, and update designs as required.
- Participate in technical project/program reviews, including preliminary and critical/detailed design reviews, to ensure product requirements are met.
- Organize, schedule, and coordinate work to adhere to budget and schedule constraints.
- Potentially participate in design activities for other product areas, including power systems and nuclear reactor systems.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and obligations in business conduct.
- Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with a minimum of two years of relevant engineering experience. Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for the degree requirement. A Mechanical Engineering degree is preferred.
- Proficiency in CAD software such as PTC Creo, NX, or SolidWorks.
- Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5-2009 and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Working knowledge of Sheet Metal Fabrication, Machine Parts Design, and Weldments.
- Working knowledge of Materials and Material Finishes.
- Familiarity with formal Engineering Change Management processes.
- Experience with Windchill is a plus.
- Experience applying Model Based Definition (MBD) methodology in a production design environment, including the creation and use of fully annotated 3D models as the primary product definition, would be beneficial.
- Excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Capability to lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
Key Skills/Competency
- Mechanical Design
- CAD Software (PTC Creo, NX, SolidWorks)
- ASME Y14.5 / GD&T
- Radiation Monitoring Systems
- Nuclear Power Plants
- Structural Analysis
- Piping Design
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Materials Science
- Engineering Change Management
Skills & topics
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- CAD
- GD&T
- ASME
- PTC Creo
- NX
- SolidWorks
- Radiation Monitoring
- Nuclear Systems
- Structural Design
- Piping
- Sheet Metal
- Weldments
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering Change Management
- Windchill
- MBD
- Rancho Bernardo
- California
- Full-Time
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your Mechanical Engineering degree, CAD proficiency (PTC Creo, NX, SolidWorks), and experience with ASME Y14.5/GD&T. Emphasize any experience with sheet metal, machine parts, weldments, materials, and change management processes.
- Showcase relevant experience: Detail projects involving structural frames, piping, or enclosures, particularly within regulated industries like nuclear or defense. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your design process, CAD software usage, GD&T application, and experience with material selection and fabrication methods.
- Demonstrate soft skills: Highlight your communication, teamwork, independent work capabilities, and any leadership experience. Prepare examples of problem-solving and project management.
- Research General Atomics: Understand their mission in high-technology systems and their specific work in electromagnetic systems and radiation monitoring.
Technical preparation
Master CAD software like Creo, NX, or SolidWorks.,Practice ASME Y14.5 and GD&T applications.,Study sheet metal, machine parts, and weldments.,Review materials science and finishes.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex design challenge you solved.,How do you manage multiple competing project deadlines?,Share an example of collaborating with a design team.,How do you handle design changes or feedback?
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What specific CAD software experience is most valuable for a Mechanical Design Engineer at General Atomics?
- General Atomics specifically mentions proficiency in CAD software such as PTC Creo, NX, or SolidWorks as a key requirement for the Mechanical Design Engineer role. Demonstrating hands-on experience with any of these platforms will be highly beneficial for your application.
- How important is knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and GD&T for this Mechanical Design Engineer position?
- Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5-2009 and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is explicitly listed as a requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding and application of these standards in their design work.
- Does General Atomics prefer a Bachelor's or Master's degree for their Mechanical Design Engineers?
- The job description states a preference for a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline. While equivalent experience may substitute for a degree, a Master's degree could potentially strengthen an application, especially if coupled with relevant experience.
- What kind of projects might a Mechanical Design Engineer work on at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS)?
- A Mechanical Design Engineer at GA-EMS, particularly on the Radiation Monitoring Systems team, will work on designing and analyzing mechanical components such as structural frames, piping, and enclosures for systems used in nuclear power plants. There's also potential to contribute to power systems and nuclear reactor systems.
- Is experience with part obsolescence management required for the Mechanical Design Engineer role?
- Yes, maintaining system designs due to part obsolescence is a stated responsibility. This includes finding replacements, modifying designs, and updating them to minimize impact. Familiarity with formal Engineering Change Management processes is also expected.
- What are the desirable 'plus' qualifications for this Mechanical Design Engineer job?
- Experience with Windchill (a Product Lifecycle Management software) and applying Model Based Definition (MBD) methodology in a production design environment are noted as 'plus' qualifications, which could differentiate a candidate.
- What level of communication and interpersonal skills are expected for this role?
- The role requires excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to work independently, as part of a team, and lead less experienced professionals on semi-routine tasks is also highlighted.
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