Electrical Engineer Space Payload Development

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking an engineer to support the technical and performance execution of conceptual and hardware designs of payload electrical subsystems for EO/IR space-based payloads. The engineer will work with a lead EE and project teams to ensure electrical subsystems meet mission and contractual requirements.

You will assist in architecture definition, trade studies, and interface documentation, and support testing, integration, and qualification of payloads for spaceflight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering from an accredited institution; progressive engineering experience.
• Experience with space-qualified design and hardware for space environments.
• Experience with imaging sensors (CCD/CMOS) in electro-optical payloads.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC/ESD for aerospace hardware and spacecraft interfaces.
• Experience interfacing with subcontractors and vendors; generating specs and test requirements.
• Familiarity with test equipment and lab environments (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Understanding space payload lifecycle from concept through post-launch support.

Responsibilities

• Assist lead EO/IR payload electrical engineer in conceptualizing architectures and defining requirements.

Skills

Electrical design

Systems engineering

Trade studies

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering

Tools

FPGA design

Schematic capture

CAD

MATLAB/Python

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. This is an exciting opportunity supporting the development of EO/IR space-based Payloads launched into various earth orbits.

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. This is an exciting opportunity supporting the development of EO/IR space-based Payloads launched into various earth orbits.

This engineer will be responsible for supporting the technical and performance execution of both conceptual and hardware designs of Payload electrical subsystems. The engineer will work closely together with a lead EE and project team of engineers and business professionals of varying experience levels and disciplines to ensure that electrical subsystems meet overall mission and contractual requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• You will assist the lead EO/IR Payload electrical engineer responsible for conceptualizing electrical architectures, defining operational concepts, performing trade studies, and generating electrical subsystem level requirements flow-downs (analysis and allocation) inclusive of verification/validation plans
• You will be support creating and maintaining component and payload interface documentation of the electrical systems inclusive of interconnections within the payload and external interfaces between the payload and spacecraft
• You will closely interact with Systems, Optical, Mechanical, and the Integration and Test groups in refining and validating the electrical design and test of the Payload
• You will directly interface with key subcontractors and vendors in managing their design, development, testing, and acceptance of electrical components which are then integrated into the GA Payload
• You will assist in the testing and debug resolution of electrical anomalies at the component and system level and in the determination of root cause and the subsequent corrective action implementation
• You will be a key design contributor of various test equipment used during the payload integration and test. This includes test rack architecture using COTS test equipment and custom test hardware, and the assembly and validation of the test equipment with subsystems and the integrated Payload prior to delivery
• You will support the lead EE in managing the electrical payload tasks and providing the GA Program team with reports related to technical, cost, and schedule performance of the electrical systems tasks
• You will support the business area during proposals by generating electrical architectures and estimating hours and effort required for to perform the proposed effort

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.
• Experience with space qualified design, development, integration and test of electronics and electrical components used in space environments requiring radiation hardening, thermal and power constraints, etc.
• Experience incorporating and interfacing with various imaging sensors including CCDs, CMOS, and other detectors used in electro-optical payloads from visible through long wave infrared wavelengths
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC/ESD design and test requirements for aerospace hardware including spacecraft level grounding and electrical interface control definitions.
• Experience interfacing with subcontractors and vendors including generating detailed specifications and test requirements, providing technical guidance, and issue resolution
• Experience using multiple electrical engineering toolsets including FPGA design, schematic capture, computer aided design software.
• Knowledge and experience in software coding and analysis using various tools such as Matlab/Python or other similar tools.
• Familiarity with performing design trade studies and analyses to optimize electrical designs relative to performance, cost, size and weight
• Laboratory and cleanroom experience using test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electronic test hardware in the validation and debug of space grade electronics and components.
• Familiarity with the space payload engineering lifecycle process from conceptual design through post launch support.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience preparing for and presenting at customer reviews.
• Must be able to work extended hours as required and be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and workloads.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505