Airframe Design Engineer

General Atomics

USonsite$63k-$106k/yrPosted Jul 10, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

Skills

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About the role

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 an Engineer to design Aircraft and Airframe and Structures at General Atomics-ASI located in Adelanto, CA at the prototype facility. This position will support the design of next generation, high performance uncrewed aircraft.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Contribute to the conceptual and detailed design of prototype aircraft. Complete CAD modeling (NX), Structural sizing, design reviews, and documentation, while integrating and weighing feedback.

Utilize first principle methods and design guides to rapidly develop and trade aerostructures.

Ownership of the development of primary and secondary aircraft structural parts, assemblies, and installations using sheet metal, billet metallic ,and composite materials for new aircraft designs and/or modifications to existing aircraft.

Coordinate with Project Engineers, Stress Engineers, Flight Technologies, Manufacturing, Procurement/Planning, QA and other departments as required to mature the design from conception to production.

Work 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.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelors degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.

Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.

Must have excellent communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one engineering area; and, lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.

Able to work extended hours as required. A Professional Engineering License is desirable.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security clearance is required.

A generalist with strong understanding of core engineer principles

Practical aircraft understanding and passion (pilot, homebuilding, A&P, RC, etc.)

Experience with aircraft and airframe design.

Proficiency with finite element analysis of parts and assemblies.

The ability to review of results from Stress and stiffness models and implement improvements or detect errors.

A passion for and hands on work (building, machining, fabricating, repair, etc.)

Job Category

Engineering

Experience Level

Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Workstyle

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low

62,510

Pay Range High

105,628

Travel Percentage Required

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?

Yes

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Clearance Required?

Desired

Clearance Level

Secret

Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies

Compensation

This Design Engineer role pays $63k-$106k/yr. Within typical range for design engineer roles in United States.

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