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Jobs · Science · Colorado

Electro-Optical Scientist

General Atomics · Longmont, CO · 3 days ago
On-siteScienceFull-time

Job Summary

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) is rapidly expanding its Optical Technologies Group, building a world-class, vertically integrated capability in multi-spectral space and airborne electro-optical (EO) payloads, optical communication terminals (OCTs), adaptive optics (AO), missile seekers, and directed energy (DE) systems. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge technologies that protect the nation and its warfighters. We invest heavily in optics and photonics infrastructure, internal R&D, and employee-focused technical training. We seek a hands-on, photonics-centric scientist who can both lead laboratory development efforts and contribute to analytical/theoretical research. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can operate with minimal direction, and communicates a clear technical vision across diverse teams.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead design, modeling, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical systems.
  • Apply expertise in EO system simulation, adaptive optics, free-space optical communications, wavefront sensing, laser systems, radiometry, interferometry, and polarization.
  • Perform parametric studies, design trade analyses, and performance verification of EO sensor concepts.
  • Architect and execute laboratory demonstrations, including hands-on optical alignment, assembly, and precision testing.
  • Develop and implement algorithms for EO data processing (MATLAB, Python).
  • Utilize optical design software (Zemax, FRED, or equivalent) for conceptual and detailed optical system design.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems engineering, opto-mechanics, mechanisms, algorithms, GNC) to mature EO subsystems and payload concepts.
  • Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and subject-matter expertise in advanced optical physics and photonics.
  • Serve as a focal point for technical communication with company leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
  • Contribute to technical reviews, program reports, and customer briefings.
  • Anticipate emerging EO technology needs and develop innovative solutions to address them.
  • Ensure compliance with company standards, program security requirements, and safe laboratory practices.

Qualifications

  • Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in a scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; six or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, four or more years experience with a Masters degree, and two or more with a PhD.
  • Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
  • Demonstrated expertise in EO/IR system design, analysis, and test.
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory optical integration and alignment.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Python for modeling and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with optical design tools (Zemax, FRED, Code V, or equivalent).
  • Strong background in applied physics, mathematics, and computational methods.
  • Pioneering ability to lead technical teams and communicate across disciplines.
  • Proven ability to operate independently in both theoretical and experimental settings.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a record of innovation and practical implementation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Passion for advancing EO and photonics technologies in national security applications.

Desired Attributes

  • Self-starter with the ability to operate independently in both theoretical and experimental settings.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a record of innovation and practical implementation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Passion for advancing EO and photonics technologies in national security applications.

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