Lead Optical Payload Engineer

Job Summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio supports critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, radar, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. This position is responsible for leading the alignment, assembly, integration, and test of optical space payloads, from critical component to system level validation, while ensuring conformity to overall mission requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Setup and maintain optical metrology (calibrated light sources, interferometers, autocollimators), vibration testing, thermal vacuum chambers (TVAC), or other pieces of test equipment.
• Support parametric studies of advanced electro-optical sensors and concepts, perform design trade studies and verification analyses to optimize system performance.
• Anticipate future engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish a technical goal.
• May assume technical and engineering responsibility of the success of an identifiable project.
• Directs activities of design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows:
• Nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree,
• Seven or more years of experience with a masters degree,
• Four or more years with a PhD.
• May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Ability to perform hands-on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Ability to setup and maintain optical metrology (calibrated light sources, interferometers, autocollimators), vibration testing, thermal vacuum chambers (TVAC), or other pieces of test equipment.
• Ability to support parametric studies of advanced electro-optical sensors and concepts, perform design trade studies and verification analyses to optimize system performance.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to work in a lead capacity for various programs/projects/initiatives.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.