Engineering Manager III

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 opportunity for an Engineering Manager to lead a multi-site team of Product Development and Manufacturing Technology Engineers. You will provide organizational leadership, mentorship, technical advisement, and serve in a Principle Investigator capacity as required in support of Airframe/Structures, Integrated RF solutions, advanced materials, and Advanced Coatings projects at General Atomics-ASI.

Manages all phases of assigned engineering project(s) from inception through completion. The position also requires participation as an individual contributor technical subject matter expert and may be assigned individual projects as business needs require.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning:
  • Develop and execute strategic initiatives to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies into key aerospace production processes.
  • Establish and manage long-term roadmaps for manufacturing technology on-ramping and process optimization, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer demands.
• Team Management & Collaboration:
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technologists focused on innovative manufacturing solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with R&D Engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration of new technologies, products, and operational best practices.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement through training, performance management, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Technology Evaluation & Implementation:
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement advanced materials and manufacturing technologies-from robotics and automation to data analytics and Industry 4.0 solutions-to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
  • Assess and Elevate the TRL and MRL of materials and manufacturing process via DoD MRL Handbook.
  • Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, ensuring they meet both technical specifications and stringent aerospace standards.
  • Participate in and coordinate the establishment of design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
  • Lead digital transformation initiatives that include the implementation of process simulation models.
• Business Development
  • Participates in the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with DoD Lab Structures and Manufacturing Technology divisions.
  • Develop proposal content such as Technical Volumes and Cost Volume
  • Capture CRAD as a Principle investigator/Program Manager
• Project & Process Management:
  • Manage multiple high-impact projects, ensuring that advanced manufacturing initiatives and new product introductions are completed on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess process improvements and operational efficiency across the manufacturing floor.
  • Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize resource utilization and reduce operational constraints.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance:
  • Ensure that all manufacturing processes are compliant with DoD and industry regulations (MIL-HDBK-516, JSSG-2006, STANAG 4671, FAA, etc.), environmental standards, and internal quality controls.
  • Oversee the documentation, testing, and validation of new manufacturing processes and equipment to maintain the highest standards of safety and reliability.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting:
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison with senior management, regulatory bodies, external partners, and suppliers.
  • Present project progress, strategic opportunities, and risk assessments to various stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and effective decision-making.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices

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, Masters or PhD in engineering or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex engineering experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates technical expertise in the application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must possess the ability to resolve complex management and technical problems.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Previous experience leading product development teams highly desired
• Previous experience launching products into full rate production highly desired
• Previous experience developing prototype hardware highly desired
• Previous experience as a principle investigator for technology development projects highly desired
• Experience with transition of materials and processes from R&D into production
• Good understanding of carbon composites, adhesives, lamination and processing of composites.
• Strong knowledge of assembly techniques and tooling concepts required to achieve tolerance control associated with electronic assemblies and aircraft hardware.
• Experience with Automation via robotics.
• Customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.