Lead Optical Systems Engineer

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. The Optical Sensors Systems group within General Atomics - Electromagnetic Systems Group is developing the next-generation, state-of-the-art Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor Systems to help defend our national interests and support critical commercial enterprises worldwide.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Optical Sensor Systems group is searching for a Senior Optical Systems Engineer/Architect with advanced Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor Systems experience. The candidate will develop and analyze extremely high performance EO/IR Solutions and Architectures for Space and Airborne Applications. The candidate will engage in all aspects of the EO/IR Systems architecture development, requirements development and analysis, conceptual trade studies, design & analysis, subcontractor technical review and management, integration & test, and verification and validation of EO/IR sensor systems for the aerospace industry. Experience working with all engineering disciplines to develop verification and validation requirements is highly desired. The ideal candidate will have a strong, multi-disciplined technical background and will work directly with internal technical SME’s developing requirements and associated documentation, working with customers, and associated sub-contractors. The candidate will interface with customers throughout the product life cycle as a lead technical representative and will be responsible for preparing and presenting material for formal design reviews and customer meetings.

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; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education. Fifteen years of technical experience in developing Electro-Optical Systems and/or components for Aerospace and Military Defense applications. Experience in System level architecture development, requirements definition and flowdown, analysis, and risk mitigation for space and airborne payloads or electro-optical sub-systems. Experience developing systems and general engineering processes and procedures. Experience supporting new business pursuits and proposals efforts. Excellent oral, written and presentation skills for interfacing with senior management, customers, and sub-contractors. Experience with Optical Systems designs and architectures including scanning and staring systems; focal plane array technologies and electronics; mission level performance requirements including NIIRS, MTF, SNR, Minimum Detectable Target, and/or geolocation; spectral sensing techniques; and signal and data processing, and algorithm development. Experience defining optical, mechanical/structural, thermal, electrical, and environmental inputs into a system and evaluating overall system performance. Competence with software analysis tools such as MATLAB, Mathcad, or Python. Experience writing technical reports and making technical presentations. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government; US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Desired Requirements:

Master’s or PhD degree from an accredited program in Optical Engineering, Remote Sensing, Physics, or related discipline. Experience as a lead engineer, project engineer, or IPT lead.

Salary: $116,480 - $208,505