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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Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back.
Job highlights
- Design mechanical components for radiation monitoring systems.
- Update legacy designs and manage obsolescence.
- Utilize CAD software for design and analysis.
- Collaborate with engineering teams and stakeholders.
- Ensure designs meet quality and regulatory standards.
About the role
Job Summary
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
GA-EMS has an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer with the Radiation Monitoring Systems team in Rancho Bernardo, CA. Our team designs and maintains mechanical, electrical, and software systems used in nuclear power plants across the world to detect and monitor radiation. This role will be responsible for the mechanical design and analysis of our RMS equipment, including structural frames, piping, enclosures, and many other components. It involves developing original designs as well as updating legacy designs for obsolescence and customer/supplier requests. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with CAD Designer and other engineering support organizations to produce documentation such as engineering drawings, source control drawings, system specifications, and test procedures
- Perform advanced calculations and/or modeling to support design decisions
- Present your designs to your peers, management, and stakeholders to gather feedback.
- Work on multiple projects at a time.
- As part of the change management process, review design changes to ensure that equipment meets requirements.
- Resolve non-compliant issues discovered by the quality department and disposition appropriately.
- Support and participate in customer and outside agency audits.
- Maintenance of systems designs due to part obsolescence issues: Locate Form, Fit and Function replacements for obsolete parts, Modify designs to use new parts while minimizing impact, Update designs as required in support of changes due to obsolescence.
- Participates in technical project/program reviews including preliminary and critical/detailed design reviews to ensure they meet defined product requirements.
- Organize, schedule, and coordinate work to adhere to budget and schedule.
- May be asked to participate in design activity for other product areas inclusive of power systems, and nuclear reactor systems.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
- Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practice.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. Mechanical Engineering degree is preferred.
- Must be proficient in CAD software such as PTC Creo, NX, or SolidWorks.
- Must have strong knowledge of ASME Y14.5-2009 and GD&T.
- Should have working knowledge of Sheet Metal Fabrication, Machine Parts Design, and Weldments.
- Should have a 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 creation and use of fully annotated 3D models as the primary product definition would be a plus
- Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; and lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
- Mechanical Design
- CAD Software (PTC Creo, NX, SolidWorks)
- GD&T
- ASME Y14.5-2009
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Machine Parts Design
- Weldments
- Materials Science
- Engineering Change Management
- Model Based Definition (MBD)
Skills & topics
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- CAD
- PTC Creo
- NX
- SolidWorks
- GD&T
- ASME
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Machine Parts Design
- Weldments
- Materials
- Engineering Change Management
- Model Based Definition
- Nuclear Power
- Radiation Monitoring Systems
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Engineering
- Design
- Analysis
- Systems Engineering
- Full-Time
- Rancho Bernardo
- California
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight mechanical design experience, CAD proficiency (Creo, NX, SolidWorks), GD&T, and ASME Y14.5 knowledge.
- Showcase relevant projects: Detail experience with sheet metal fabrication, machine parts, weldments, and material finishes.
- Demonstrate change management familiarity: Emphasize experience with formal Engineering Change Management processes and MBD.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your design process, calculations, and CAD software expertise.
- Highlight soft skills: Emphasize your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in your application and interviews.
Technical preparation
Master CAD software like Creo, NX, or SolidWorks.,Solidify understanding of GD&T and ASME Y14.5.,Review fabrication methods: sheet metal, machining, welding.,Study material properties and finishing techniques.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex design challenge you solved.,How do you handle design changes and obsolescence?,Explain your process for presenting designs to stakeholders.,How do you manage multiple projects and deadlines?
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for a Mechanical Design Engineer at General Atomics?
- For the Mechanical Design Engineer role at General Atomics, key technical skills include proficiency in CAD software like PTC Creo, NX, or SolidWorks, a strong understanding of ASME Y14.5-2009 and GD&T, and working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, machine parts design, weldments, and materials science. Familiarity with Engineering Change Management processes and Model Based Definition (MBD) is also highly valued.
- What is the typical educational background for a Mechanical Design Engineer at General Atomics?
- Typically, a Mechanical Design Engineer at General Atomics holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. They usually have at least two years of engineering experience. However, equivalent engineering experience can substitute for a formal degree.
- What kind of projects will a Mechanical Design Engineer work on at General Atomics?
- A Mechanical Design Engineer at General Atomics will work on projects related to Radiation Monitoring Systems (RMS). This includes designing and analyzing mechanical components such as structural frames, piping, and enclosures. They will also be involved in updating legacy designs, managing part obsolescence, and potentially contributing to design activities for other product areas like power systems and nuclear reactor systems.
- How important is experience with specific CAD software for this Mechanical Design Engineer role?
- Experience with specific CAD software is crucial. The job description explicitly requires proficiency in CAD software such as PTC Creo, NX, or SolidWorks. Demonstrating expertise in these tools will be a significant factor in your application for the Mechanical Design Engineer position.
- Does General Atomics prefer candidates with experience in Model Based Definition (MBD)?
- Yes, experience with Model Based Definition (MBD) methodology is considered a plus. The job description mentions that applying MBD in a production design environment, including the creation and use of fully annotated 3D models as the primary product definition, would be advantageous for a Mechanical Design Engineer candidate at General Atomics.
- What is the work environment like for a Mechanical Design Engineer at General Atomics?
- The Mechanical Design Engineer role is located in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The work involves designing and analyzing mechanical systems for nuclear power plants, requiring close collaboration with CAD designers and other engineering support teams. The role also involves presenting designs, managing multiple projects, and participating in customer and agency audits.