Professional Opportunities

ATA is always looking for talented people to join our team. Typical positions that we recruit for are shown here. The number of actual openings available at any given time for each of these positions will vary depending on projected business needs for our headquarters in San Diego and our regional offices. For detailed descriptions about each position, click on the position title in the table below.

Position
Analysis-Driven Design Engineer

Perform and manage consulting engineering work using CAD/CAE software to solve problems in mechanical/structural design, finite element analysis, design optimization, prototype generation (such as stereo lithography on NC machining), fatigue analysis, structural dynamics and kinematics, thermal analysis, production of manufacturing drawings, plastic part design. Write proposals, technical reports and papers. Assist with on-site NX or Femap training, and application support. Provide results to clients that satisfy quality, cost, timing and other project specifications.

Requirements:
BS or MS in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with excellent academic record. Willingness to travel and work at client sites. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with NX, Femap, I-deas, SolidWorks, MATLAB, and other MCAE tools preferred, especially FEA. Candidate must be US citizen or US Permanent Resident.

Structural Analysis Engineer

Perform aerospace and electromechanical engineering analysis project work with emphasis on solving problems in structural dynamics using advanced CAD/CAE software. Typical applications include launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, and electromechanical systems. Write proposals, technical reports and papers. Analysis specialties may include one or more of the following categories:

  • Vibro-acoustics, using statistical energy analysis (SEA), finite element analysis (FEA), or boundary element methods
  • Aeroelasticity or flutter
  • Thermal or fluid flow
  • Mechanical/structural design
  • Linear and nonlinear finite element modeling
  • Multi-body dynamics and kinematics

Provide results to clients that satisfy quality, cost, timing and other project specifications. Prepare and give oral presentations to clients and at technical conferences.

Requirements:
BS, MS or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering with excellent academic record. Willingness to travel and work at client sites. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidate must be a US citizen and eligible to access government and Dept. of Defense classified facilities.

Dynamics Testing Engineer

Plan and perform testing projects such as ground vibration testing of aircraft and spacecraft, modal testing for finite element model validation, trouble shooting vibration problems, and strain gage testing of various structures such as theme park rides. Write proposals, technical reports, and papers; provide client support by conducting on-site test software support, installation and training, implementation, and application support as well as software phone support. Provide results to clients that satisfy quality, cost, timing, and other project specifications. Give oral presentations to clients and at technical conferences. Develop specialized software application tools to enhance testing.

Requirements:
BS, MS or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering with excellent academic record. Willingness to travel and work at client sites. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with Windows and UNIX operating systems and programming in MATLAB, C/C++, or Fortran; experience in using instrumentation and experimental techniques. Modal testing experience is preferred. Experience with I-deas and other MCAE tools is desirable. Candidate must be U.S. citizen and eligible to access government and Department of Defense classified facilities.

Thermal Analysis Engineer

Perform mechanical and aerospace engineering analysis project work with emphasis on solving problems in heat transfer and fluid flow using advanced CAD/CAE software. Typical applications include spacecraft and electromechanical systems. Write proposals, technical reports and papers. Additional responsibilities may include solving problems in mechanical/structural design, finite element analysis, structural dynamics, kinematics, and the development of software tools and interfaces. Provide results to clients that satisfy quality, cost, timing and other project specifications. Prepare and give oral presentations to clients and at technical conferences.

Requirements:
BS, MS or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering with excellent academic record. Willingness to travel and work at client sites. Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Experience with Windows and UNIX operating systems and programming in C, C++, Java, Fortran, MATLAB is a plus. Candidate must be a US citizen or US Permanent Resident.

Vibroacoustics Testing Engineer

Plan and perform testing projects such as wavespeed and damping measurements of panels, experimental SEA for model correlation, sound power measurement, and acoustic measurement during machine or vehicle operation. Write proposals, technical reports, and papers; provide client support. Provide results to clients that satisfy quality, cost, timing, and other project specifications. Give oral presentations to clients and at technical conferences. Develop specialized software application tools to enhance testing.

Requirements:
MS or PhD in Acoustics, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering with excellent academic record. Willingness to travel and work at client sites. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with Windows operating systems and programming in MATLAB, C/C++, or Fortran. Experience using instrumentation and experimental techniques. Vibroacoustics testing experience is preferred. Experience with I-deas and other MCAE software tools desirable. Candidate must be US citizen and eligible to access government and Department of Defense classified facilities.

Optics Engineer

Business development, project management, and technical participation in the analysis, design, fabrication, test, and operation of optical and opto-mechanical systems for industrial, commercial, military, and aerospace applications. Provide technical leadership for multi-disciplinary engineering teams that design and build optical systems and sub-assemblies for high performance observation or directed energy systems.

Requirements:
M.S. or Ph.D. in Optics, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field with five years experience in relevant product development activities that includes the following:
 
  • Manufacture and test of optical systems;
  • Application of optical design tools;
  • Business development, proposal preparation, and teaming arrangements;
  • Preparation of technical reports and customer briefings;
  • Multi-disciplinary, mechanical, thermal, and controls engineering efforts.  

U.S.citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance are required.

Program Manager

The Program Manager shall provide technical leadership and program management of multi-year, multi-disciplinary engineering contracts.  The ideal candidate will possess at least 5 years of program management experience in large design, development, test and fabrication programs. The primary responsibilities of the Program Manager are to ensure that the overall program milestones, schedules, budget and technical objectives are successfully met.  Satisfying these responsibilities will require detailed coordination of program activities within ATA as well as significant interaction with both the customer and subcontractors in accomplishing program milestones. 

Program manager responsibilities include the following:

  • Provide overall program management, coordination and leadership for all program elements including component design, hardware procurement, assembly, systems integration and test verification activities
  • Lead all interactions  with customer, team members and subcontractors
  • Lead ATA program planning, scheduling and requirements definition in support of customer planning activities. Lead all overall program related customer interaction activities including those supported by our team members and subcontractors.
  • Lead the execution, tracking and control of program activities in accordance with the program schedule
  • Lead the ATA reliability and maintainability, system safety, risk management, configuration management, technical publications and product transition activity in support of the customer’s activities in these areas.
  • Manage work activities to contracted scope of work for all ATA activities including those of team members and subcontractors and identify and manage any changes to the scope of work.
  • Manage overall program through management of ATA project managers assigned to program.
  • Manage and integrate multiple project managers responsible for design, analysis, testing and fabrication.
  • Establish methods and procedures for requirements verification and manage verification process
  • Manage procurement of services and hardware to meet contractual requirements.
  • Manage program budget, contractor and team member invoicing and payment, and customer invoicing and payment
  • Ensure ATA standard of technical quality, cost-efficiency and timeliness in meeting customer/program commitments are met
Requirements:
  • Minimum of a MS in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering with excellent academic record
  • At least 5 years of program management experience in large design/build contracts and an additional 5 years of experience as a practicing engineer with an expertise in analysis-driven design, modal analysis or ground vibration testing, flight testing, acoustics, loads and dynamics, or a related field
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills in addressing program challenges
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and detail oriented
  • Able and willing to travel up to 30% of the time
  • Aerospace industry expertise preferred
  • Experience with Siemens PLM Teamcenter Software is a plus
  • Candidate must be US citizen or US Permanent Resident
Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager will provide business development and account management services for specific territories, key accounts and specific industries/technologies including the following:

  • Assume a lead role in identifying and shaping business opportunities in order to achieve ATA business revenue and profit goals while maintaining ATA’s standards of excellent customer service;
  • Coordinate and lead proposal development, including identifying the projects, developing proposals with ATA project managers, and working with customers’ procurement departments to ensure contract approval and customer satisfaction;
  • Provide key account management support for new and existing customers, and identify and build relationships with customers at multiple organizational levels;
  • Coordinate with ATA technical directors and project managers on current projects to address and resolve issues;
  • Contribute to the development of future marketing strategies for ATA products and services and identify and help to lead development of business opportunities for increased revenue growth and diversification of ATA’s services related to consulting services, software development and hardware;
  • Participate in industry functions and trade shows, as needed and in conjunction with the business development team goals;
  • Participate in ATA sales team meetings and planning sessions and coordinate selling activities with the team.

Requirements:
BS in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering (advanced degree is preferred) with excellent academic record. Able and willing to travel up to 30% of the time. At least three years experience as a practicing engineer with an expertise in analysis-driven design, modal analysis or testing, acoustics, loads and dynamics, or a related field. At least three years experience in business development or sales. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Aerospace industry expertise preferred, along with ability to plan ATA participation in upcoming programs. Candidate must be US citizen or US Permanent Resident.

Software Programmer

Provide programming support for aerospace, mechanical, and structural engineers on a wide variety of challenging projects – from structural dynamics to data management and translation. Preferred experience includes programming in Visual Basic, C, C++, C#, Python, and/or Java. Able to troubleshoot hardware and software configurations. Familiar with XML and Eclipse. Familiar with Virtualization and commercial database technologies such as Oracle, SQL, and Microsoft SQL server. Comfortable with Windows XP64 and Linux

Requirements:
B.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Structural Engineering, or Computer Science, with an excellent academic record. Interest in programming engineering applications and object-oriented programming. Must have interest in engineering design, analysis, and data management processes. Willing to travel and occasionally work at customer sites, as needed. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident. Full-time position only. No contractors or part-time applications will be accepted.
 
Note: For this position, please submit your resume to jobs@ata-e.com
 
Human Resources Manager

ATA is looking for the right person to help us develop and nurture our human resources and to grow with us.  The qualified candidate will have experience working in an employee-oriented company culture that emphasizes high performance, key employee retention, and quality.  Responsibilities encompass the full range of HR tasks, including recruiting, orientation, benefits, salary administration, safety, affirmative action, policies and best practices recommendations and documentation, performance review process administration, HRIS, compliance, etc.  The ideal candidate would be motivated to learn and take increasing levels of responsibility as ATA continues to grow and can assist and advise company managers about HR issues.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Management, Business, Psychology, Education, Sociology, Communications or relevant field with excellent academic record
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant experience and/or training/coursework, preferably in a high-tech/engineering environment.  Experience in an employee-owned company is a plus.
  • Current knowledge of California and federal employment and labor regulations
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
  • Excellent computer skills, including MS Word, Excel. PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Experience with Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
  • Willingness and ability to work in a team environment

How to Apply

We appreciate your interest in ATA Engineering, and request that you submit the following materials if you are qualified and wish to join our team of employee owners at ATA Engineering:

  • A current resume or CV.
  • A copy of your up-to-date college transcripts. You may e-mail or fax them to 858-792-8932, or request that an official transcript be sent directly to the address below. If your transcript contains identifying information such as Social Security Number and/or date of birth, please delete this information prior to submitting your transcripts.
  • A statement regarding your US citizenship.

Please note: we prefer electronic copies of all documents, but you may also mail them to the address below if necessary. Many of our contracts require access to government, defense, and classified information. We cannot consider your application unless you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident. Unless you specifically state otherwise in your cover letter or e-mail, you will be considered for all current openings at all ATA locations. Once we have reviewed your qualifications, you will be contacted by e-mail regarding the status of your application.

E-mail all documents to: careers@ata-e.com
 
Or mail them to:
Manager, Human Resources
ATA Engineering, Inc.
11995 El Camino Real, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92130
 
ATA is an Equal Opportunity Employer