Electrical Engineer, Hardware Design and Integration

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Rancho Bernardo is seeking an Electrical Engineer to develop and integrate high-power electromagnetic systems and HEL technologies. You will collaborate with firmware teams, lead technicians, and drive hardware design, testing, and documentation for cutting-edge defense and space applications.

The role involves working on power supplies, sensors, laser communications, and complex electro-optical systems, with emphasis on safety, quality, and

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelors degree or higher in engineering or a related field with progressive engineering experience.
• Experience designing systems with power generation/conditioning, sensors, safety features and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of PCB design: reading schematics, layouts, signals conditioning.
• Experience troubleshooting and integrating complex hardware-software systems including cables, boards, and sensors.
• Familiarity with mil-spec connectors, embedded firmware, and DoD technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Ability to plan, schedule and manage workloads to meet milestones; leadership is desirable.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate across departments and with stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to development, enhancement, and support of high-energy laser and other electrical systems.
• Participate in design reviews, interconnects, CAD reviews, PCB designs, and cable assemblies to ensure quality and requirements alignment.
• Test and troubleshoot LRUs with COTS and custom electronics, including lasers and sensors.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to architect complex electrical systems (power, sensors, laser comms, DSP).
• Develop and manage IMS schedules using MS Project, Excel, or JIRA and ensure milestone alignment.
• Produce technical presentations and program documentation for managers and customers.
• Refine control processes for electro-optical-mechanical systems prioritizing hardware integrity and safety.
• Document relationships, failure points, and troubleshoot interdependent components.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Electrical design

System integration

Test and troubleshooting

Project leadership

Documentation

DoD clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

MS Project

Excel

JIRA

PCB design tools

Job description

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 have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Engineer (EE) to join our Electrical Technologies Electrical Design team located in Rancho Bernardo. We are looking for someone with drive and talent who thrives in a Research and Development (R&D) environment. The successful candidate will report to the EE Design Team Manager and, alongside high-caliber colleagues, will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of high-power electromagnetic systems, high-energy laser (HEL) systems, advanced airborne sensors, space-based laser and electro-optical communications systems, and a variety of other technologies in the expanding product portfolio of GA-EMS.

This position involves hardware design and integration efforts, including working closely with firmware teams to integrate complex sensors, motor controllers, power supplies and other devices. The Electrical Engineer will be responsible for developing and integrating solutions that support experimental systems and prototypes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and contribute to the development, enhancement, and support of High Energy Laser and other electrical systems, providing hands‑on technical contributions and leading a team of technicians through system assembly, integration and test.
• Participate in technical design and implementation reviews, system interconnects, mechanical CAD reviews, PCB designs, and cable assemblies, to ensure quality, compliance, and alignment with system requirements.
• Test, troubleshoot and integrate LRUs that include commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) and custom electronics, often involving lasers, optoelectronics, relays, analog and digital sensors and mil‑spec wire harnesses.
• Partner with senior and chief engineers to architect complex electrical systems, depending on the application these could encompass power supplies, power conditioning systems, battery systems, advanced sensors, laser communications, digital signal processing, target tracking, laser beam control/pointing, and instrumentation.
• Generate, plan, and manage discipline‑specific Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) using tools such as MS Project, Excel, or JIRA, and oversee their execution to ensure alignment with program milestones and deliverables.
• Generate clear, well‑organized technical presentations and documentation for program managers, executives, and customers, adjusting the message to fit each audience.
• Develop and refine control processes for complex electro‑optical‑mechanical systems, prioritizing hardware integrity and personnel safety.
• Understand and manage interdependent components of complex systems; document relationships, identify failure points, and troubleshoot systematically.
• Independently manage technical responsibilities, delivering high‑quality, timely results while providing guidance to junior team members and fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment.

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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated experience designing systems of varying complexity, including power generation and conditioning, sensor integration, safety‑critical features, data acquisition, and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of the PCB design process, including reading schematics, reviewing layouts, and interpreting circuits, with an understanding of signal conditioning and analysis and their implications on system performance.
• Experience troubleshooting and integrating complex systems involving both firmware and hardware components such as cables, circuit boards, and sensors (thermocouples, RTDs, analog and digital interfaces)
• Desired Familiarity with mil‑spec connectors, embedded firmware, DoD technical review process: SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR.
• Possess deep technical knowledge and practical application of engineering principles, along with the ability to plan, schedule, and manage workloads to achieve established deadlines or milestones. Experience in project leadership is desirable.
• Demonstrated aptitude for rapidly learning and accurately applying new concepts in changing conditions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to work effectively across departments and with various stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in both independent and team‑based work settings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
• The submission of a cover letter with resume is desired.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 99,500 - 170,750