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 proactive Plastics/Polymer Additive Manufacturing Engineer in our Additive Manufacturing (AM) department located in Poway, CA. This onsite position will support the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM/FFF) AM production operation team at GA-ASI in design (DfAM), process and parts qualification, first article, production, tests, technology assessment and development.

Although it is part of the Aircraft Systems Manufacturing group, this position will be a key interface role between various other internal and external stakeholders such as Design engineering, Materials & Processes engineering, Programs management, and Supply Chains as serving as subject matter expert (SME) to help integrate plastics/polymer FDM/FFF AM into GA-ASI’s products and processes, as part of the Center of Excellence mission statement of the AM group. This position will provide the candidate with a critical role opportunity into the growth of AM at GA-ASI.

DUTES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Subject Matter Expert (SME) on industrial FDM/FFF AM and key interface with key engineering stakeholders such as design, materials, process and quality.DfAM FDM/FFF SME and main point contact for internal stakeholders, to support design engineering’s learning and teaching of DfAM specific to FDM/FFF AM, as well as supporting software tool assessment and testing to support manufacturing and engineering AM efforts.Support with plastics/polymer AM suppliers/contract manufacturers qualification, relationships and visitsResponsible for industrial production-focused AM process development, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement to enhance Quality / Yield, reduce Cost, and improve Productivity / Schedule.Initiate and lead lean manufacturing process improvement projects.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.Support manufacturing production planning and coordination, execution and operations process development.Provide production support to AM operation team (technicians and production lead).Document manufacturing processes and assembly work instructions in conjunction with T&O Planning.Assist and drive AM quality and inspection process improvement related to plastics AM.Support with internal needs for AM CAD designs to assist with AM group operations.Disposition non-conforming parts, identify root cause analysis, and implement corrective and/or preventive action to reduce scrap and rework.FDM/FFF AM-related project plan development and management.Participation in internal and external AM group representation (e.g. conferences, collaboration groups, executive management reviews, etc.)Collaborate with Design Engineering during design release, application development, prototyping and first article manufacturing of FDM/FFF components.Support and lead technology and material exploration, assessment and incubation.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.