Electrical Engineer – High-Power Systems & Lasers

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

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