Scientist IX

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 188,000 - 336,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to join the Acton, MA based GA-EMS Optical Sensor Systems group. This role drives innovative lens designs for space-based electro-optical sensors across UV to IR spectral ranges, including multispectral/hyperspectral systems, and supports on-orbit alignment and testing.

The selected candidate will lead optical design decisions, mentor staff, and interact with vendors to implement robust optical payload solutions for defense and

Qualifications

• This role requires advanced degrees or equivalent in optical engineering and extensive experience in space optics.
• Proficiency in optical design tools CODE V, OSLO, Zemax is essential.
• Strong grasp of radiometry, diffraction, and polarization is required.
• Experience with STOP analysis and collaboration across engineering disciplines is expected.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical designs for space-based sensor applications within a multidisciplinary team.
• Lead development of optical design solutions including lens design and optimization of refractive/reflective systems.
• Perform tolerancing in coordination with other engineering disciplines.
• Create optical design packages for vendor quotations and interact with vendors.
• Coordinate with fabrication shops and support assembly, alignment, testing, and on-orbit checkout.

Skills

Optical design leadership

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Vendor interaction

On-orbit test knowledge

Clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in optical engineering or related field

Tools

CODE V

OSLO

Zemax

FRED

TracePro

STOP software

MATLAB

Job description

56424BR

Job Summary:

The GA-EMS Optical Sensor System group in Acton, MA has an opening for a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to join a high-performance, multidisciplinary Advanced Technology group proposing, designing, and fielding sophisticated electro-optical sensors for space-based (both civil and defense) applications. This scientist position, serving as an internationally recognized authority in optics, conceptualizes and articulates innovative resolutions to the most highly technical and complex optical problems, including selecting the best design forms (refractive or reflective) given program requirements, and designing, analyzing, and optimizing the design form in concert with the requirements. This position also influences the attraction and retention of optical space payload business as well as the foremost professional staff. It anticipates and reports on future optical challenges that will directly impact the present and future objectives of the organization.

The Acton team specializes in designing very high-performance and innovative optical sensor systems, designed for both manufacturability and affordability, and this Lens Designer will perform an essential role and be a key member of the team. The Lens Designer will perform detailed tolerancing of the design in concert with opto-mechanical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers and the fabrication shops, and will support the assembly, alignment, and test of the optical assemblies, including during on-orbit checkout. The sensors will cover the UV, visible, and infrared spectral ranges, and include both multispectral and hyperspectral passive sensors, as well as active sensor systems.

Note

Job location can be flexible within GA-EMS Space site locations: Acton, MA (preferred), Boulder, CO; Centennial, CO; or Rancho Bernardo, CA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Design and analysis of optical designs for a range of space-based electro-optical sensor applications as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team through a concurrent engineering process.


• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance for developing optical design solutions, including lens design and optimization of both refractive and reflective designs.


• Perform tolerancing of optical designs in concert with other engineering disciplines.


• Prepare optical design packages suitable for quotation by vendors, as well as interact with prospective and current vendors.


• Conduct detailed interactions with vendors and fabrication shops.


• Prepare and present technical presentations both internally and to external customers.


• Support the build, alignment, optimization, and performance verification of optical systems for proposals and hardware programs.


• Effectively counsel, mentor, and transfer specialized optical knowledge of the highest level and complexity to management, professional, and support staff.

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 a scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; twenty or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, eighteen or more years experience with a Masters degree, and fifteen or more with a PhD. Equivalent comprehensive scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.


• Highly skilled in optical design using CODE V, OSLO, or Zemax.


• Solid understanding of radiometry, diffraction, and polarization.


• Expert understanding of designing, tolerancing, fabrication, and testing of optical systems.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Experience working collaboratively with thermal and structural engineers supporting Structural-Thermal-Optical (STOP) analysis.


• Experience in assembly and alignment of reflective and refractive optical systems is highly desirable.


• Experience using Structural-Thermal-Optical (STOP) software is desirable.


• Experience designing with freeform surfaces is desirable.


• Demonstrated leadership and creativity in directing and developing solutions to highly technical and complex optical systems.


• Stray light analysis experience (FRED, TracePro, etc.) is desirable.


• Experience with MATLAB or other software coding is desirable.


• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Job Category:

Scientists

Experience Level:

Senior (8+ years)

Workstyle:

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low:

187,600

Pay Range High:

335,808

Travel Percentage Required:

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

Yes

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Clearance Required?:

Desired

Clearance Level:

Secret

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s \"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal\" poster.