Mishap Investigation Engineer

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 in San Diego, CA (Poway, CA.) for a Mishap Investigation Engineer in our Engineering Field Support (EFS) department at GA-ASI. The Mishap Investigation Group investigates root cause of aircraft crashes across all GA-ASI platforms and customers. We investigate complex failures spanning a wide range of aircraft systems-potentially any system on the aircraft or in the GCS. We inspect and test crashed aircraft hardware (when available), sometimes traveling to CONUS bases to do so. We interface with a wide variety of enterprise functions including hardware design, software, manufacturing, flight operations, and deployment logistics. At times, the workload is fast-paced and demanding. Our work is highly visible to company leadership. In the end, our mission is to identify root cause and drive mitigation in order to improve system safety.

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team that provides technical support to mishap safety investigations. The position also coordinates with Subject Matter Experts, customer representatives (including active duty military officers), and various organizations within GA-ASI to conduct a root cause investigation. These investigations sometimes include hands-on inspection and testing of failed components and systems. This position will manage the investigation project, document investigation findings, produce written technical reports, and communicate results to engineering staff, leadership, and the customer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams conducting failure analysis, including members from engineering, quality, manufacturing, and other professional staff to determine root cause and appropriate corrective actions to prevent similar mishaps.
• Lead GA-ASI teams in meetings with government SIB/AIB members. Manage team tasking and deliverables.
• Author SIB/AIB contractor mishap reports and other interim reports.
• Analyze flight data logs, flight/operator manuals, maintenance manuals, maintenance records, field bulletins, and other technical data to understand root cause.
• Obtain and maintain technical system-level knowledge of GA-ASI aircraft, ground control stations, and associated hardware, related operational procedures, and maintenance processes in order to understand failures.
• Perform investigations across all GA-ASI aircraft platforms and customers.
• Coordinate and participate in aircraft inspections, tests, and hardware tear-down events. Travel as required to conduct hardware inspections; requirements estimated between 1-4 multi-day trips per year.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Perform 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 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 degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. 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 be able to organize and lead project teams and manage multiple simultaneous efforts. Project management experience is desirable.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to effectively communicate pertinent information to team members, SMEs, leadership, and customers.
• Must have computer, documentation, presentation, and organization skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to perform complex tasks in multiple engineering areas.
• Experience in failure analysis is desirable.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems; and lead a team of other engineers performing these tasks.
• Proficiency with DSLR cameras and photography experience is desired.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.