Lead Optical Payload Engineer

General Atomics; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 105,890 - 189,545; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking a qualified engineer to lead the assembly, integration, and test of optical space payloads. The role involves working within a cross-disciplinary team to ensure systems meet mission requirements. Responsibilities include hands-on testing, maintaining optical equipment, and supporting advanced sensor studies.

Applicants should have a degree in engineering, significant engineering experience, and excellent communication skills for effective collaboration across departments. The position offers a full-time salary with a range of $105,890 - $189,545.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or a related field.
• Nine years experience with a bachelor's, seven years with a master's, or four years with a PhD.
• Customer-focused and able to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Set up and maintain optical metrology and other test equipment.
• Support parametric studies and design trade studies.

Skills

Optical system assembly and testing

Optical metrology setup

Parametric studies of electro-optical sensors

Strong communication skills

Leadership and guidance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

Calibrated light sources

Interferometers

Thermal vacuum chambers

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 expands a portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions that support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, radar, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Role Overview

With limited direction, this position leads the alignment, assembly, integration, and test of optical space payloads, from critical component to system‑level validation, while ensuring conformity to mission requirements. The role works in a cross‑disciplinary team and with subcontractors to validate and iteratively refine system design, test procedures, operability, and interface definition of novel optical payload systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Set up and maintain optical metrology (calibrated light sources, interferometers, autocollimators), vibration testing, thermal vacuum chambers (TVAC), or other test equipment.
• Support parametric studies of advanced electro‑optical sensors and concepts, perform design trade studies and verification analyses to optimize system performance.
• Anticipate future engineering needs and necessary modifications to accomplish a technical goal.
• Assume technical and engineering responsibility for the success of an identifiable project.
• Direct activities of design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professionals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Observe all laws, regulations, and obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience: nine or more years with a bachelor’s degree, seven or more years with a master’s degree, or four or more years with a PhD; equivalent experience may substitute for education.
• Ability to perform hands‑on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Ability to set up and maintain optical metrology (calibrated light sources, interferometers, autocollimators), vibration testing, thermal vacuum chambers (TVAC), or other test equipment.
• Ability to support parametric studies of advanced electro‑optical sensors and concepts, perform design trade studies and verification analyses to optimize system performance.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to enable effective interface with other departments and professionals, and capability to represent the organization as a prime technical contact while providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Customer‑focused, formulating plans based on the development of innovative new designs to resolve advanced technical engineering problems.
• Capable of working independently and in a team environment.
• Capable of leading various programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Must obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545