Ground Support Equipment Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity for an engineer to work with a dynamic team of designers and fellow engineers focused on the engineering development and sustainment of ground support equipment (GSE) product solutions for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The GSE Engineering team is responsible for providing equipment and tool solutions for the following UAS lifecycle functions: installation/removal of aircraft components, assembly/disassembly of the aircraft, transportation of the aircraft and its components, facilitation of ground operations of the aircraft, and maintenance tasks.

Reporting to a GSE Engineering Group Manager or Supervisor, the engineer will be responsible for executing a variety of engineering tasks. Members of the GSE Engineering team typically have very diverse project workloads that ensure involvement in a broad spectrum of engineering efforts, ranging from component/system level troubleshooting and quick-reaction hardware developments in support of manufacturing/aircraft integration activities to full product development efforts of customer deliverable GSE solutions.

Under guidance of general supervision, this position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of engineering problems related to ground support equipment (GSE). Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed periodically, at milestones and/or at completion for adequacy in meeting established objectives. The engineer collaborates with teammates, documents findings, and communicates results to engineering staff. Tasks involve the exercise of independent judgment and discretion about matters of significance. The engineer may have infrequent inter-organization and customer contact, but contacts are primarily internal. The engineer collaborates with design/drafting staff, redlines and approves engineering content of drawings and may provide direction to design staff and/or to less experienced professional staff. New hardware development projects are normally owned by the engineer throughout the mechanical engineering development process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support operation of GSE engineering products or systems by supporting engineering staff in the analysis, investigation, and resolution of engineering problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Conceptualize and develop GSE product designs to meet a stipulated set of requirements, utilizing 3D CAD systems such as Siemens NX and/or Creo Parametric as required.
• Structurally analyze GSE products, utilizing finite element analysis methods in the preferred CAD system Ansys, to ensure fitness for the required design loads.
• Perform detail design and analysis functions such as: load derivation, tolerance analysis, tipping analysis, buckling analysis, connection design (fasteners, pins, welds), galvanic compatibility analysis, etc.
• Generate (in whole or in part) formal engineering documentation (drawings, memos, specifications, test procedures, trade studies, reports, engineering change packages, etc.) in accordance with the AS9100-compliant Mechanical Engineering Design Controls process, relevant Engineering Work Instructions, and/or program direction as required.
• Understand core Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and utilize on drawings when it most effectively captures design intent for practical manufacture and inspection.
• Develop and maintain mechanical engineering project planning artifacts (task lists, engineering labor estimates, Gantt charts, etc.) and periodically report progress and issues.
• May direct the activities of designers/drafters and the activities of less experienced professional staff.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Safety and Flight Operations Facilities representatives on design/documentation of parts/assys/equipment.
• Support Manufacturing, Test & Quality groups regarding questions/issues related to the engineer’s part/assy throughout the manufacturing, test and acceptance processes.
• Support customer milestone events related to delivered GSE products/systems, including but not limited to: fit checks, logistical demonstrations, and trans-mobility testing.
• Support the development and approval of operational procedures, maintenance manuals, and associated reports generated by the Product Support Engineering (PSE) group for use by the customer. Generate and document intended operational characteristics and procedures for GSE usage and disseminate to other functional engineering groups through the use of engineering memos, interface control drawings, detailed design specifications, etc.
• Troubleshoot, analyze, and recommend methods of rework/repair of GSE products/systems by utilizing sound engineering and scientific principles.
• Support design reviews and source inspections for GSE products custom-designed to GA-ASI specifications by a subcontractor at their location (occasional short-duration travel may be required).
• Generate requirements and recommendations on the acquisition and use of equipment, systems, or other capital expenditures.
• Occasionally travel to GA-ASI’s flight operations facilities in Gray Butte, Adelanto & El Mirage (high desert in CA) or Yuma, AZ or other locations as required to support product development/testing.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Observe and follow all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Define individual accountability and milestones to meet project objectives.
• Conduct oneself in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner at all times.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

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