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 a Director of Engineering Field Support as part of our Aircraft Systems team in San Diego, CA.
This position reports to the Senior Director, Hardware Engineering. As Director of the Engineering Field Support department, the successful candidate will provide leadership and support to the department and organization. The department provides 24/7 rapid technical resolution of field issues, performs field failure and mishap investigation and reporting, implements the Failure Reporting Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS), and is responsible for the development, release, and management of field bulletins. The candidate is also involved in technical investigations and programmatic and organizational activities. Duties include review of technical memos and bulletins, engineering estimates, and management of an overhead budget. The candidate will also work successfully with executive management and stakeholders and needs to demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. Additionally, the candidate is expected to be dedicated, proactive, and a self-starter.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES-
Oversee activities of a 65+ member department responsible for supporting all GA-ASI customer products
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Provide guidance on technical, logistical, and operational aspects of field investigations
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Collaborate with responsible Engineering departments, Program Management, and Logistics on field investigations, modifications, and upgrades
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Participate in cross-functional teams supporting critical field issue resolution activities
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Lead an engineering team responsible for field FRACAS process; initiate/expedite investigation activities as appropriate to manage flight safety risk, product reliability, and cost
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Author Engineering memos and field bulletins to address critical and/or high-priority field issues
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Initiate and oversee field service bulletins and safety-critical alert bulletins to communicate information and recommendations to customers regarding GA-ASI products
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Review bulletins and memos pertaining to field issues prior to release and distribution
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Brief executive staff on mishap investigations, field failures, reliability data, and department metrics
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Brief customers regarding field issues, ongoing investigations, and corrective actions
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Obtain and approve funding for labor, material, and subcontract resources supporting field investigation activities
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Develop and implement short- and long-term process improvements supporting department/company and customer objectives
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Manage department staffing to maintain appropriate resources are in place to support current and projected demand
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Influence decisions of senior leaders both within and outside the company and act as the primary spokesperson for the department
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Develop labor, material, and subcontract resource estimates for future contracts
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Manage department overhead budget
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Initiate and manage capital expense activity
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Participate in and influence the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contracts
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Oversee the development of and ensure the security of the unit's proprietary technology, and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
42370
Job Qualifications:-
Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in Engineering or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex Engineering experience with at least nine of those years having management responsibilities
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Must have a background in the design, architecture and/or building products & solutions for aircraft, preferably unmanned aircraft
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Must be able to demonstrate extensive expertise and application of Engineering and process development principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as comprehensive project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones
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Must possess the ability to resolve complex management and technical problems
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Must possess strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives
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Must be 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
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Ability to communicate with internal and external customers, and to manage customer expectations
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Must possess a demonstrated background in development of Engineering and organizational processes, development and maintenance of processes and related training
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Must have previous experience contributing to the design, development and manufacture of systems/subsystems; experience with unmanned aircraft systems is desired
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Previous experience with AS9100 and CMMI compliant processes is desired
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Willingness and ability to support new business development efforts are essential and required
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Knowledge of DoD requirements generation and military system acquisition processes is highly desirable
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Willingness to work off hours and weekends as required
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Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required
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Experience in the aerospace industry focusing on engineering development, troubleshooting, failure investigation/root cause analysis, and sustainment
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Fundamental understanding of, and familiarity with, software and aircraft systems including airframe/structure, avionics, propulsion, power generation/distribution, navigation, flight controls, aerodynamics, and datalinks
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Understanding of composite structures
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Familiarity with aircraft maintenance practices and tools
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Experience managing a team of 30 or more
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Experience leading cross-functional teams
Salary:$155,370 - $289,320
Travel Percentage Required 0 - 25
Relocation Assistance Provided Provided
US Citizenship Required? Yes
Clearance Required? Desired
Clearance LevelSecret
WorkstyleOnsite
