Lead Optical Systems Scientist EO/IR Payloads

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking an experienced Lead Scientist, Optical Systems to drive the development, integration, test, and operation of EO/IR space payloads and imaging systems. The Optical Scientist will provide technical leadership through the payload lifecycle, coordinating with designers, engineers, scientists, technicians, and program leadership.

The role emphasizes optical systems engineering, metrology, alignment, calibration, data analysis, and test

Qualifications

• Education aligns with extensive experience in optical systems engineering.
• Experience leading the design, analysis, integration, alignment, calibration, testing, and operation of complex optical systems.
• Experience translating system requirements into subsystem requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical systems engineering activities for EO/IR payloads and imaging instruments.
• Develop optical architectures, operation concepts, requirements, trade studies, and technical approaches.
• Perform radiometry, image quality, wavefront error, focus, boresight, pointing, jitter, stray light, and system sensitivity analyses.
• Lead optical alignment, calibration, metrology, integration, and performance verification activities.
• Develop test methods, procedures, fixtures, equipment, and optical ground support equipment.
• Plan and support assembly, environmental testing, calibration, and verification of optical payloads.
• Process and analyze test data using computational models, simulations, and engineering software.
• Develop measurement uncertainty budgets and evaluate measurement repeatability and system accuracy.
• Lead anomaly investigations and root-cause analyses involving optical performance and test results.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to engineers, technicians, and other professional staff.
• Review technical work and represent the organization in discussions with customers, suppliers, government representatives, and internal leadership.
• Support proposal development and the pursuit of new or expanded business opportunities.

Skills

Optical systems engineering

EO/IR instruments

System-level requirements

Leadership

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific/technical field

Master's degree in a scientific/technical field

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Code V

Zemax

SigFit

Interferometers

Laser trackers

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking an experienced Lead Scientist, Optical Systems to drive the development, integration, test, and operation of EO/IR space payloads and imaging systems. The Optical Scientist will provide technical leadership through the payload lifecycle, coordinating with designers, engineers, scientists, technicians, and program leadership.

The role emphasizes optical systems engineering, metrology, alignment, calibration, data analysis, and test