Director, Materials & Nuclear Fuels

Company: GENERAL ATOMICS
Location: National City
Posted on: November 18, 2021

Job Description:

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of 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 first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS ' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

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

This position will report to the VP of Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) Division and is responsible for the planning and managing technical performance of materials capabilities, especially for advanced nuclear fuels and components. This person will have responsibility to develop components for nuclear thermal propulsion, lunar/Mars surface power, and advanced reactors. Successful testing of critical space nuclear reactor fuel components that must survive ultra-high temperatures will be a significant activity. The position will direct development of new fabrication pathways and validation of materials and technology capabilities critical to NTM 's space business strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities: Directs all phases of space nuclear component/fuels fabrication development project(s) including innovation, planning and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
Develops and implements current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for NTM and also participate in the development of EMS/GA Corporate objectives
Directs all phases of space and terrestrial nuclear component research and application development project(s) from inception through demonstration.
Interacts with management and external customer representatives concerning project(s), resolution of technical issues, operational decisions, scheduling requirements and contractual clarification. Validation of fuel behavior will necessitate close collaboration with national laboratories with unique testing facilities and computational resources
Directs and coordinates the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract(s)
Defines objectives in collaboration with division management.
Participates in and contributes to the development of annual and long-term objectives for NTM/EMS/GA Corporate.
Ensures technical leadership and excellence is maintained by directing and participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent
Partners with the Strategic Development Division to incubate and grow new space and terrestrial nuclear programs that required innovative solutions to high temperature components and fuels
Partners with NTM project managers and technical leads in space related areas to create and refine technical component and fuel approaches and work scopes to win new space nuclear programs as well as to successfully execute current programs
Acts as primary contact for fuel and materials related activities. Responsibilities include R&D support to other engineering and product manufacturing divisions within the company
Leads project development to ensure they are within the organization product roadmap and corporate vision
Participates and encourages current & future Internal Research and Development (IRAD) for the organization
Performs other duties as assigned or required

Job Qualifications: 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.
Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of engineering 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.
Must possess the ability to resolve unusually complex management and technical problems and be a technical expert in development, application and manufacture of high temperature and nuclear materials.
Requires experience in testing advanced nuclear materials/fuels in national laboratory irradiation test facilities and demonstrated advances in manufacturing techniques applicable to space and terrestrial nuclear fuels
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.
The applicant must work well in a team environment and work on a self-initiated basis
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.

Keywords: GENERAL ATOMICS, National City , Director, Materials & Nuclear Fuels, Executive , National City, California