Lead Optical Payload Engineer - Space Systems

General Atomics; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks an experienced engineer to lead the assembly, integration and test of space optical payloads from component to system level. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams and subcontractors to refine designs, procedures and interfaces for novel payloads.

Ideal candidates have deep payload design experience from concept to deployment, hands-on optical payload alignment, test, environmental testing and performance analysis.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or related discipline with progressive experience.
• Ability to perform hands-on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Ability to set up and maintain optical metrology, vibration testing, TVAC or similar test equipment.
• Capability to support parametric studies and design trade analyses to optimize system performance.
• Strong communication and leadership skills for cross-functional interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly and test of space optical systems.
• Set up and maintain optical metrology equipment (interferometers, autocollimators).
• Conduct vibration testing and TVAC environmental tests.
• Support design trade studies and performance verification analyses.
• Lead and guide technical staff on projects.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Hands-on assembly

Optical alignment

Optical metrology

Test execution

Team leadership

Communications

DoD clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in engineering or related discipline

Tools

Interferometers

Autocollimators

TVAC (Thermal Vacuum Chambers)

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks an experienced engineer to lead the assembly, integration and test of space optical payloads from component to system level. You will work with cross-disciplinary teams and subcontractors to refine designs, procedures and interfaces for novel payloads.

Ideal candidates have deep payload design experience from concept to deployment, hands-on optical payload alignment, test, environmental testing and performance analysis.