Job Description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are among the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development, ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies. 

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures pioneering electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. Our growing portfolio of specialized products and integrated solutions supports critical defense, space systems, missile defense, power and energy, and industrial applications worldwide.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mechanical Laboratory Technician to support the fabrication, testing, and maintenance of advanced laboratory and experimental equipment for high-tech research and development projects. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with complex systems, a solid understanding of lab protocols, and a commitment to safety, precision, and quality.

This role is based at our Torrey Pines, Sorrento Valley, and/or Rancho Bernardo facilities and offers the opportunity to work closely with scientific and engineering teams on cutting-edge research and engineering tasks.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fabrication, Assembly, and Maintenance 

• Fabricate, modify, install, maintain, and document complex laboratory, prototype, and experimental equipment. 
• Interpret work instructions and general guidance to plan assembly sequences and prepare quality assurance documentation. 
• Create and interpret supporting documentation including sketches, schematics, and basic CAD-based drawings. 
• Assist in the design, assembly, and development of lab, experimental, and commercial equipment, as well as new designs and processes.
• Operate and maintain machine shop equipment such as lathes, milling machines, and drill presses (highly desirable).

Testing, Operations, and Data Collection 

• Operate specialized lab equipment and perform tests requiring knowledge of processes relevant to GA-EMS projects. 
• Accurately read and use precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges. 
• Execute experiments; collect, record, reduce, summarize, and maintain data on all new and existing processes. 
• Communicate test results and findings clearly and effectively to engineering and project teams. 
• Serve as the responsible technician for a set of laboratory experiments or a complex laboratory function.

Troubleshooting and Technical Support 

• Identify, report, diagnose, and correct operational problems in equipment or tests. 
• Interpret operating data to recognize when system measurements are drifting out of established parameters and adjust operating parameters to restore proper conditions.
• Develop practical solutions to technical issues, including assisting in the design and fabrication of specialized components. 
• Clean, adjust, and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation. 
• Be available on a call-in basis to perform emergent or urgent repairs as needed.

Safety, Regulatory Compliance, and Radioactive Materials Handling 

• Work safely with potentially hazardous materials, including toxic materials, chemicals, gases, and radioactive substances, in accordance with established operating procedures and safety practices.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators where required.
• Maintain compliance with all safety and regulatory guidelines and remain current with required safety training. 
• Support and, where applicable, be specifically responsible for the safe handling, operation, and maintenance of equipment involving radioactive materials.
• Monitor all operations for regulatory and safety compliance and maintain a clean, organized, and regulation-compliant laboratory environment. 
• Work confidently on systems that may involve high pressure, high voltage, high energy, cryogens, or radioactive materials while using appropriate PPE.

Laboratory Leadership and Collaboration 

• Provide direction and guidance to other technicians in assembly, maintenance, test operations, and laboratory practices. 
• Help ensure best practices for laboratory procedures, documentation, and safety are followed. 
• Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and project managers to support development of new lab processes, equipment, and prototypes. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory and project objectives.

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 associate's degree or equivalent with five or more years of experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education. 
• Prior military or technical school training in experimental/test operations is a plus.

Technical Skills 

• Proficiency with common hand tools and standard laboratory equipment.
• Experience with Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) systems, including vacuum pump operation and maintenance, is highly desirable. 
• Experience with machining and fabrication, including lathe, milling machine, and drill press operation, is highly desirable. 
• Experience with water cooling systems, plumbing, pumps, motors, and controllers is highly desirable.
• Basic electronics knowledge is desirable. 
• Ability to understand and interpret CAD drawings; experience creating or modifying CAD-based drawings is desirable. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel is desirable. 
• Knowledge of computer operations and applications pertinent to the field required.

Safety, Materials, and Specialized Systems 

• Experience handling chemicals and using a respirator is preferred. 
• Ability to obtain medical clearance and pass a respirator fit test for a full-face respirator is required. 
• Experience and/or training in handling radiological materials is highly desirable.
• Ability and willingness to work with systems involving high pressure, high voltage, high energy, cryogens, and radioactive materials while wearing appropriate PPE. 
• Ability to acquire and maintain a Secret security clearance is highly desirable.

Mathematics and Measurement 

• Strong math skills, including the ability to convert between decimals and fractions and between imperial and metric units. 
• Ability to accurately use precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, etc.).

Work Style and Physical Requirements 

• Capability to perform complex assignments with limited supervision and under limited review. 
• Ability to work in a lab environment requiring long periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs. 
• Experience operating forklifts, cranes, lifts, and company vehicles to aid in equipment installation and removal is preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required. 
• Must be available for occasional on-call support to perform emergent repairs.

Why Join Us?
At GA-EMS, you will contribute directly to cutting-edge projects that support critical national and global needs. We value innovation, precision, teamwork, and safety. Our environment supports personal and professional growth and emphasizes inclusion, integrity, and technical excellence. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to advanced laboratory and experimental systems, we encourage you to apply.