Component Engineer

Job Summary

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 career opportunity for a Component Engineer working in Poway, CA. location. Perform Component Engineering activities on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), supporting Engineering, Production, Quality and Procurement teams. This role will primary focus on resolving procurement-related technical issues that prevent timely order placement. This role will also support component selection, qualification, lifecycle management, and resolution of technical issues impacting material availability and manufacturing schedules.

Component Engineering & Technical Support

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Select and qualify electrical and mechanical components to meet design requirements
• Create and maintain component specifications and parts database
• Monitor component lifecycle status and conduct BOM reviews to proactively identify obsolescence risks
• Research market and technology trends to anticipate supplier and availability issues
• Provide technical guidance on component interchangeability and approved alternates
  
  
  

Procurement Support & Issue Resolution

• Rapidly resolve technical issues preventing timely order placement, including part number changes, supplier lead time changes, and material change notifications
• Support procurement in resolving part shortages and obsolescence by quickly identifying and qualifying form, fit, and function replacements
• Process expedited Change Requests (CRs) and Change Notices (CNs) to enable material pull-in for production delivery
• Conduct engineering investigations and assessments for low-level technical issues
• Evaluate component substitutions and alternates to maintain material flow and support schedule requirements
• Interface with suppliers to resolve technical barriers affecting procurement timelines
• Resolve technical issues including part number changes, product/material change notifications, and supplier lead time changes affecting material orders
  
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide rapid technical assessments to support material availability and schedule acceleration
• Document investigation findings and technical decisions per company procedures
• Serve as technical liaison between Procurement, Production Control, Quality and Engineering
• Provide rapid technical decisions to unblock procurement activities
• Interface with production to resolve device-level, high defect rate issues
• Document technical assessments and communicate impacts to stakeholders
• Lead resolution efforts on semi-routine procurement-blocking issues
• Lead teams of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks
• Escalate complex issues requiring qualification testing to appropriate teams for resolution
  
  
  

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, 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.
  
  
  

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Familiarity with MRP/PLM systems (SAP, Teamcenter, etc.)
• Experience with BOM analysis tools (GIDEP, Accuris BOM/Parts Intelligence systems, Silicon Expert, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, specifications, and bills of material
• Understanding of engineering change management processes
  
  
  

Professional Competencies

• Ability to quickly understand new concepts and apply them accurately in evolving environments
• Strong organizational skills with ability to schedule and coordinate work phases
• Capability to determine appropriate approaches for complex problem-solving at task or project level
• Excellent communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Capable of performing complex tasks and leading less experienced team members
• Willingness to work extended hours as required
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing and procurement environments
• Understanding of industry standards (MIL-STD, AS9100, IPC standards)
• Knowledge of supplier quality management processes
• Knowledge of NAVMAT/RELEX – MIL-217
• Familiarity with CAD modeling tools (CREO, PADS, NX, etc.)
  
  
  

Work Environment

• Fast-paced environment supporting UAS programs with focus on maintaining material flow
• Frequent interaction across engineering, production, quality and procurement departments
• May require occasional visits to production floor, test labs, or supplier facilities
  
  
  

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650