Engineer VI

General Atomics and Affiliated Companies; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks an Electrical Engineer (EE) or Computer Engineer (CE) to join the Optical Sensors Systems team in Acton, MA. You will work on embedded firmware and real-time image processing for space-based imaging systems, collaborating with engineers on prototype design, integration, and testing.

The role requires designing FPGA-based image processing, HDL development, and embedded software using Xilinx tools, with opportunities for leadership and travel

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree with seniority: 12+ years with BS, 10+ with MS, or 7+ with PhD.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Experience designing and implementing real-time imaging algorithms on FPGAs for optical systems.
• Experience performing simulation, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of FPGA-based control systems.
• Develop HDL (VHDL or Verilog) and embedded C/C++ firmware using Xilinx tools (Vivado/Vitis).
• Integrate systems with sensors, actuators, and optical components.
• Optimize signal processing pipelines for low latency and high precision.

Responsibilities

• Lead firmware development and guide junior staff on projects.
• Design, prototype, test, and integrate space-based imaging systems across product lines.
• Coordinate documentation, reporting, and technical presentations for project milestones.
• Represent GA-EMS as a technical contact on imaging projects.
• Travel as needed for development and proposal activities.

Skills

Real-time imaging on FPGAs

HDL (VHDL/Verilog)

Embedded C/C++ firmware

Proficient with Xilinx Vivado/Vitis

Strong communication and presentation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Xilinx Vitis

Job description

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) or Computer Engineer (CE) to join our Optical Sensors Systems team located in Acton, Massachusetts. We are looking for someone with drive, talent, and experience in Embedded Firmware Design, Hardware Description Language, and Embedded Image Processing who also thrives in a fast-paced, environment. The successful candidate will report to the Optical Sensors Systems Engineering Manager and, alongside high-caliber staff, will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of embedded space-based image processing and a variety of other technologies in the expanding product portfolio of GA-EMS.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with GA-EMS Engineering staff and chief engineers in the concept development and prototype design, integration, and test of space-based imaging systems for all product lines and technology areas. These encompass advanced imaging sensors and detectors, real-time image processing, target detection and tracking, signal/image processing, test equipment development, and instrumentation.
• With limited direction, exercise considerable latitude for initiating and developing designs, techniques, and solutions to resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
• Demonstrateprior experience in the improvement of legacy systems and development of new systems.
• Lead firmware development projects, guiding less experienced staff and ensuring technical milestones are met, give technical presentations, and manage technical effort schedules.
• May function in a leadership role for a project and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff in technical efforts involving development projects in any product area.
• Formulate plans and coordinate solutions development and deployment including documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical and other presentations to ensure viability of the solutions in an evolving environment.
• Communicate with colleagues and management throughout solution development and deployment cycles.
• Act as the primary technical contact for firmware-related aspects of imaging projects.
• Ability to support advanced IRAD and proposal efforts
• May represent the organization as a prime technical contact on projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Required experience designing and implementing real-time imaging algorithms on FPGAs for optical systems including interfacing with detectors, image processers, and high-speed data transfers.
• Required experience performing simulation, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of FPGA-based control systems.
• Develop HDL (VHDL or Verilog) and embedded C/C++ firmware using tools such as Xilinx Vivado and Vitis.
• Perform simulation, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of FPGA-based control systems.
• Integrate systems with sensors, actuators, and optical components.
• Optimize signal processing pipelines for low-latency, high-precision performance.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving project environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals.
• Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact.
• Customer-focused and able to formulate plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving complex technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Must be able to prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews.
• Some travel and extended work schedules may be required.
• The submission of a cover letter with resume is desired.