Senior Optical Engineer

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) 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 are looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Optical Sensor System team in Acton, MA.

With limited management consultation, this position serves as a recognized authority in one or more engineering fields, conceptualizes and articulates innovative resolutions to highly technical and complex engineering problems. Functioning in an advisory or leadership role, it directs the planning and oversight of the successful implementation of those resolutions. It represents the company nationally through technical presentations and papers as an expert, consultant, and champion of specialized engineering knowledge and is a presence in attracting and retaining engineering business and professional staff.

It anticipates and reports on future engineering challenges that will directly impact the present and future engineering objectives of the organization.

• Leverage expertise in optics design and new optics technologies to lead trade analyses in performance and size, weight, power, and cost for satellite optical payloads.
• Lead optical system design in coordination with optical designers and functional teammates to ensure system level requirements and optical flowdowns are met.
• Familiarize with modeling tools to develop insights in co‑design of different optical technologies in a single optical payload.
• Assist in roadmap development of novel imaging technologies for future space systems and explore nascent concepts.
• Experience in integration of optical assemblies including managing optical fabrication subcontractors, design for manufacture and test, and hands‑on assistance to Manufacturing Engineering in aligning and performance characterization.
• Interact with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.
• Provide leadership, direction and guidance for research into the solution of engineering problems.
• Advise or direct the planning for the implementation of engineering solutions, including strategic objectives and timetables.
• Participate or direct the allocation of technical resources and professional staff to achieve objectives.
• Prepare status/progress reports and ensure compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
• Act as spokesperson and represent the technical capabilities of the organization to national audiences.
• Function as a key participant in attracting and retaining engineering business as well as professional staff.
• Effectively counsel, mentor and transfer highly specialized technical engineering knowledge to management, professional and support staff.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Observe all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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

• 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: fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute…