Systems Integration and Test 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 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. At GA-EMS – Optical Sensor Systems, we design, build, and test advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) space payload that power next-generation remote-sensing systems. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team tackling technically challenging problems in a collaborative, hands-on environment. We value innovation, rigor, and accountability—offering opportunities for growth and leadership based on technical excellence. We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Integration & Test (I&T) engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration & Test (I&T) team. This role focuses on electro-optical system integration, test automation, and verification & validation of complex EO/IR payload subsystems. You will work closely with systems, software, and electrical engineers to plan and execute integration activities, automate test workflows, and ensure performance and reliability requirements are met. Candidates should be comfortable working in laboratory and cleanroom environments with test hardware, software interfaces, and data analysis tools. This is a full-time position located in Acton, MA. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan and execute integration, functional test, qualification, and acceptance activities for electro-optical space payload hardwareDevelop detailed test plans and procedures from system requirements, verification objectives, and engineering constraintsCoordinate test prerequisites including hardware configuration, software/firmware versions, GSE, facilities, instrumentation, staffing, and required documentationSupport system verification planning and maintain objective evidence required for requirements closurePerform hands-on payload integration and test activities in laboratory and environmental-test environmentsLead individual test events and coordinate operators, engineering support, Quality, and other stakeholdersAnalyze test data and prepare test reports documenting configuration, results, anomalies, and complianceIdentify test discrepancies, support troubleshooting/root-cause investigations, and develop appropriate retest plansEvaluate existing procedures and test approaches for completeness, repeatability, safety, and efficiencySupport Test Readiness Reviews, qualification reviews, acceptance reviews, and customer-facing technical reviewsDefine instrumentation, GSE, and test-station requirements in coordination with software, electrical, and mechanical engineeringContribute to continuous improvement and automation of integration and test activitiesMentor junior engineers and technicians during test planning and execution 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 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, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.Practical experience with system integration, verification, test, or complex laboratory developmentDemonstrated ability to independently develop technically rigorous test proceduresWorking understanding of requirements verification and objective evidenceHands-on experience troubleshooting electrical, software, firmware, communications, instrumentation or system-level problemsExperience configuring and operating laboratory instrumentation and test equipmentAbility to analyze engineering data and draw technically sound conclusionsStrong technical writing and documentation skillsDemonstrated ability to organize and lead a test activity involving multiple contributorsComfortable operating independently with broad technical direction rather than detailed task-by-task instructionsAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required Preferred Qualifications: Experience with spacecraft, payload, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardwareExperience with environmental qualification or acceptance testingEO/IR, detector, camera, optics, or imaging-system experienceFamiliarity with embedded electronics, FPGAs, command/telemetry interfaces, and embedded softwareExperience with Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering automation/data-analysis toolsExperience with formal test readiness and review processesExperience developing EGSE or automated test equipmentExperience with how to safely bring up electronics and test equipment for the first time in a lab environment Job Type: Full-Time Salary Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545