Chief Engineer Optical Space Payloads

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Acton, MA, is seeking a Chief Engineer for Space EO/IR Payload efforts within the Optical Sensor System Group. The Chief Engineer will own the technical strategy and execution for space payload programs across pre-award concept development, architecture, and on orbit operations, directing multiple disciplines.

This role requires extensive EO/IR space payload experience and active DoD clearance, with a strong track record in systems engineering

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher with extensive engineering experience.
• Experience leading EO/IR space payload design, integration, and operation.
• Broad technical breadth across Space Systems and Ground Test.
• Experience with structured analysis and risk management in large projects.
• Clear ability to present results to customers and senior management.
• Active DoD security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for EO/IR payload development, interfacing, and testing.
• Lead system architecture development and requirements while coordinating with PM.
• Review technical efforts and deliverables with program management.
• Mentor engineers to develop future SMEs and address risks/opportunities.
• Ensure root-cause analysis and corrective actions on technical issues.

Skills

EO/IR payloads

Space systems

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Customer communication

Program management

DoD security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

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.

Job Summary

General Atomics is looking for a Chief Engineer for Space EO/IR Payload efforts within our Optical Sensor System Group in Acton, MA. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the technical strategy and technical execution of space payload programs and IRAD. This includes all phases of development from pre-award concept development, initial architecture and development of interfaces and component requirements through design, testing and verification, production support, and on orbit operations. The Chief Engineer will be responsible for directing the execution activities of all functional disciplines on a program from the existing portfolio as well as heavily engaged in new pursuits.

• Application of electro-optical and infrared remote sensing system knowledge to develop and refine space payload system architectures for weather, earth science, missile defense, ISR, or other space sensing missions
• Provide technical direction for all activities associated with the development, engineering, interfacing, integration, and testing of EO/IR Payload systems with complex hardware/software attributes
• Support payload concept development, system architecture development, system and subsystem requirements development, systems analysis and trade studies, and systems modeling and simulation
• Organize and review technical efforts, documentation, and deliverables on payload contracts in conjunction with program management staff.
• Technical authority for the program internally and main technical payload POC for the customer/stakeholders
• Provide guidance on program risks/opportunities
• Responsible for program technical issue resolution, ensures root cause is identified and corrective actions are executed
• Provide mentorship to develop lower-level engineering staff into future SMEs

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; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Experience leading the design, performance analysis, assembly, test, and operation of EO/IR space payloads.
• Strong multi-disciplinary technical breadth in Space Systems and Ground Test Domain
• Specialized experience including the use of structured analysis, design methodologies and/or design tools in the development and implementation of large projects and experience leading EO/IR sensor assembly, integration, and test teams.
• Creative problem solver who demonstrates a broad ranging technical management and team development experience encompassing: Electro-optical multispectral and hyperspectral imaging sensors for space applications, Visible and Infrared Focal Plane Array technology, Process and system development, Failure and reliability engineering, Risk analysis and management.
• Able to present results and communicate with customers and senior management.
• Active DoD security clearance required

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 140,940 - 252,293