Senior Embedded Lead Engineer, Embedded Controls and Digital Systems

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics GA-EMS seeks a Senior Embedded Lead Engineer to join the Electrical Technologies team in Rancho Bernardo. You will lead embedded architecture, develop real-time C/C++ software on Linux, and work on HEL systems, sensors, and laser communications for space and defense applications.

The role emphasizes leadership across hardware and software, test automation using Python, and creating rigorous verification artifacts while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced R&D

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline with progressive experience.
• DoD Top Secret clearance required.
• Embedded C/C++ development for real-time/embedded systems including digital interfaces and sensors.
• Experience leading embedded design from concept through delivery.
• Linux-based software development, Python for test/automation, and PCB/tool experience (Altium/PADS).
• Strong communication and ability to coordinate hardware, software, and test teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead embedded architecture and guide implementation across microcontrollers, SoCs, and flight computers.
• Architect and review embedded C/C++ software for real-time control and telemetry.
• Develop Linux-based software/tools for test, automation, and ground support equipment.
• Design digital interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO) and perform avionics-related analyses.
• Lead PCB design efforts with hardware teams and ensure firmware/hardware co-design.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Linux-based development

Python for test/automation

System architecture leadership

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering

Tools

Altium

PADS

SPICE

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Embedded Lead Engineer to join our Electrical Technologies team located in Rancho Bernardo. We are looking for someone with drive, talent, and experience in embedded C/C++, Linux-based development, digital design, and embedded controls who also thrives in a fast-paced, Research and Development (R&D) environment. The successful candidate will report to the Instrumentation and Control Manager and, alongside high-caliber staff, will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of High Energy Laser (HEL) Systems, advanced airborne sensors, laser communications systems for space applications, and a variety of other technologies in the expanding product portfolio of GA-EMS.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with GA-EMS Engineering staff and chief engineers in the concept development and prototype design, integration, and test of embedded processing and control solutions for HEL systems, advanced sensors, laser communications, space systems, and other GA-EMS products.
• Serve as the embedded technical lead for assigned programs, owning the embedded architecture and guiding implementation across microcontrollers, SoCs, and flight/mission computers.
• Architect, implement, and review embedded C/C++ software for real-time or near-real-time control, telemetry, command, and timing functions, including low-level drivers, board support packages, and application-level logic.
• Develop Linux-based software and tools (C/C++ and Python) for test, automation, and ground support equipment, including hardware abstraction layers (HALs), test executives, and scripting frameworks that interface directly with embedded hardware.
• Generate embedded system architectures for new project needs; decompose system-level requirements into unit-level and component-level requirements and maintain requirements-to-verification traceability.
• Perform digital interface design and analysis for avionics and control boards, including SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO, and mixed-signal interfaces to sensors, actuators, and communication devices.
• Lead or support PCB design efforts for embedded control and avionics applications (e.g., microcontroller-based control boards, payload adapter boards), working closely with hardware designers to ensure firmware/hardware co-design and testability.
• Establish and enforce best practices for software development and configuration management (e.g., git workflows, code reviews, branching strategies) for embedded and AI&T contributors; provide training and guidance to ensure consistent usage.
• Prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews (PDR/CDR, design reviews, test readiness reviews), and author comprehensive documentation such as ICDs, interface specifications, communication/packet structures, user guides, and prototyping reports.
• May function in a leadership role for a project and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or a team of professional staff in technical efforts involving embedded system development and integration.
• Formulate plans and coordinate solution development and deployment, including documentation, reporting, publishing, and technical presentations, to ensure viability of embedded solutions in an evolving environment.
• Communicate with colleagues, management, customers, and government representatives throughout solution development and deployment cycles; may represent the organization as a prime technical contact on embedded design projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

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; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• A DoD Top Secret clearance is required
• Required Experience: Embedded C/C++ development; embedded controls; analysis, design, and implementation of embedded hardware and software systems to include digital interfaces, mixed-signal (analog/digital) circuitry, and integration of sensors, actuators, and communication devices.
• Desirable Experience: Embedded electronics and software for space applications and HEL systems; embedded controls in power electronics or high-power computing; digital or microprocessor control of power supplies and control systems; leading embedded designs from concept through development, integration, qualification, and into production.
• Desired Skills: Linux-based software development; Python for test and automation; experience with Altium or PADS PCB design tools; SPICE circuit simulation tools; basic FPGA/HDL familiarity (e.g., VHDL) for system-level integration; MATLAB; LabVIEW; Microsoft Project or equivalent project planning tools.
• Demonstrate technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones, with significant experience in project or technical leadership for embedded systems.
• Demonstrated prior experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering efforts, serving as the technical lead for embedded system design from requirements definition through architecture, implementation, integration, verification, and delivery, including coordination of hardware, software, and test teams.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving project environment, including rapid response to design changes and schedule-driven integration tasks.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals.
• Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact on embedded system design and integration efforts.
• Customer-focused and able to formulate plans based on the development of innovative new embedded designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
• Must be able to prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews.
• Some travel and extended work schedules may be required.
• The submission of a cover letter with resume is desired.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 128,130 - 229,358