Senior Optical Communications Payload Scientist

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Rancho Bernardo, CA seeks a Senior Scientist to advance EO/IR space-based and airborne optical communications payloads. You will develop advanced laser and electro-optical systems in a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires deep technical expertise, hands-on laser experience, and ability to guide programs from concept to testing. A Top Secret clearance is required and the position is full-time with competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Advanced degrees (BS/MS/PhD) in a scientific or technical field with substantial experience.
• Experience designing, prototyping, building, and testing fiber lasers and electro-optical systems for space/airborne use.
• Hands-on work with high-power fiber laser systems, fiber optics, and lab instruments (beam profilers, scopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Experience with optical fiber system build/integration, splicing, testing, and alignment with system requirements.
• Knowledge of laser physics, nonlinear optics, waveguide optics, laser comms, and free-space beam propagation.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a multidisciplinary team; procurement and oversight with suppliers/GFE.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Develops innovative solutions to advanced electro-optical and laser systems problems.
• Serves as technical contact for projects and with customers/government agencies.
• Presents technical reports at engineering meetings and participates in program reviews.
• Mentors junior engineers and scientists.
• Anticipates future engineering needs and modifies plans accordingly.
• Addresses complex issues with creative, system-level thinking.
• May lead a project or major task and coordinate design, analysis, build, and test activities.
• Directs activities of design or technical staff and may lead a small team on moderately complex efforts.
• Supports tailoring and application of standard GA processes, methods, tools, and metrics to meet program requirements.
• Contributes to design, development, integration, and testing of components and systems for space and military applications.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in a scientific/technical field

Tools

Fiber splicing systems

Beam profilers

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Fiber lasers

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Rancho Bernardo, CA seeks a Senior Scientist to advance EO/IR space-based and airborne optical communications payloads. You will develop advanced laser and electro-optical systems in a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires deep technical expertise, hands-on laser experience, and ability to guide programs from concept to testing. A Top Secret clearance is required and the position is full-time with competitive salary.