Lead Systems Integration and Test Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant access

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Acton, MA, seeks a Lead Systems Integration & Test engineer for EO/IR payloads. You will lead electro-optical system integration, automate tests, and ensure performance across hardware, software, and firmware interfaces.

You will work with systems, software, and electrical engineers in a lab and cleanroom environment, driving test readiness, verification, and customer-facing activities. This is a full-time on-site role in Acton, MA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related technical discipline with progressive engineering experience.
• DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Experience independently leading integration or test activities for a complex multidisciplinary system.
• Experience developing and executing system-level integration and test plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level Assembly, Integration & Test for complex electro-optical space payloads.
• Develop and execute AI&T strategy including test flow and regression testing.
• Serve as day-to-day technical lead for AI&T activities across engineering disciplines.
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews and support various program reviews.
• Define system-level test plans, procedures, matrices, configurations, and reports.
• Coordinate EGSE/GSE, facilities, instrumentation, and lab needs.
• Interface with customers and external partners during integration and delivery.

Skills

System integration

Test leadership

Hands-on lab work

Technical writing

Program leadership

DoD security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

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' 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.

Job Summary

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.

At GA-EMS – Optical Sensor Systems, we design, build, and test advanced electro‑optical and infrared (EO/IR) space payload that power next‑generation remote‑sensing systems. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team tackling technically challenging problems in a collaborative, hands‑on environment. We value innovation, rigor, and accountability—offering opportunities for growth and leadership based on technical excellence.

We are seeking a highly motivated Lead Systems Integration & Test (I&T) engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration & Test (I&T) team. This role focuses on leading electro‑optical system integration, test automation, and verification & validation of complex EO/IR payload subsystems. You will work closely with systems, software, and electrical engineers to plan and execute integration activities, automate test workflows, and ensure performance and reliability requirements are met. Candidates should be comfortable working in laboratory and cleanroom environments with test hardware, software interfaces, and data analysis tools. This is a full‑time position located in Acton, MA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead system‑level Assembly, Integration & Test activities for complex electro‑optical space payload from design maturation through delivery
• Own development and execution of the program AI&T strategy, including integration sequencing, test flow, verification approach, qualification, acceptance, and regression testing
• Serve as the day‑to‑day technical lead for AI&T activities and coordinate execution across supporting engineering disciplines
• Assess the integration and test readiness and make technically defensible go/no‑go recommendations
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews and support MRR, qualification reviews, PSR, and other formal program/customer reviews
• Develop and maintain system‑level test plans, test procedures, verification matrices, test configurations, and test reports
• Identify dependencies between hardware availability, software/firmware maturity, GSE readiness, facilities, and test execution
• Lead troubleshooting of complex system‑level failures spanning hardware, software, firmware, optical, electrical, and test equipment boundaries
• Own test discrepancy investigation and closure, including coordination of root‑cause investigations and retest strategy
• Define and coordinate EGSE/GSE, facility, instrumentation, and lab infrastructure needs
• Interface directly with customers and external partners during system integration, qualification, acceptance, and delivery activities
• Support development of reusable AI&T processes and lessons learned across multiple payload programs

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.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading integration or test activities for a complex multidisciplinary system
• Experience developing and executing system‑level integration and test plans rather than solely executing previously defined procedures
• Strong understanding of requirements verification and the relationship between requirements, verification methods, test procedures, test artifacts, and closure
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems crossing multiple technical disciplines
• Experience assessing technical readiness and identifying incomplete prerequisites before beginning high‑value test activities
• Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring capability
• Ability and willingness to perform hands‑on laboratory integration and test work when needed
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with spacecraft, payloads, aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability systems
• Experience with EO/IR or optical payloads
• Experience with environmental qualification including thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC, acoustic, or other qualification testing
• Experience supporting formal TRRs, qualification reviews, acceptance reviews, and customer‑facing technical reviews
• Working knowledge of electrical interfaces, command/telemetry, embedded software, FPGA‑based electronics, networking, and common laboratory instrumentation
• Experience defining or integrating EGSE/test stations
• Familiarity with contamination‑sensitive hardware and optical system handling
• Experience supporting production programs involving multiple flight units

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505