Senior Scientist, Optical Communication Payloads

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

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking a Senior Scientist, Optical Communication Payloads to support the development of EO/IR space-based communication payloads and airborne laser systems for our Optical Technologies organization in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

This role focuses on designing and validating high‑power fiber laser and electro‑optical systems for space and airborne platforms, with cross‑functional collaboration across engineering teams and potential interfaces with

Qualifications

• Requires 15+ years with Bachelor's, 13+ years with Master's, or 10+ years with PhD in a scientific/technical field.
• Designs, prototypes, builds, and tests fiber lasers and electro-optical systems for space and airborne applications.
• Hands-on experience with high-power fiber laser systems and laboratory equipment (beam profilers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers).
• Knowledge of laser physics, nonlinear optics, waveguide optics, laser communication, and free-space beam propagation.
• Experience with optical fiber system build and integration including splicing, laser integration, testing, and electronics/mechanical integration.
• Ability to work with fragile optical components, requiring precision and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with program lifecycle phases and with environmental and flight testing.
• Active Top Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops innovative and practical solutions to advanced technical problems in engineering, with emphasis on electro-optical and laser systems.
• Serves as a primary technical contact for assigned projects and may liaise with customers or government regulators.
• Presents technical reports at engineering meetings and participates in program reviews.
• Mentors junior engineers and scientists and supports cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Coordinates design, analysis, build, and test activities for major tasks.
• Supports ERB and ROMP execution within assigned scope.
• Documents findings and supports test activities on and off site.
• Maintains confidentiality and observes applicable laws and regulations.

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.

This Senior Scientist, Optical Communication Payloads opening is an exciting opportunity supporting the development of EO/IR space-based communication payloads, and airborne laser systems for our Optical Technologies organization in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops innovative and practical solutions to advanced technical problems in engineering, with emphasis on complex electro‑optical and laser systems.


• Serves as a primary technical point of contact within the Company for assigned projects and may represent the Company as technical contact with customers and/or government regulatory agencies under the guidance of senior staff.


• Presents technical reports at engineering meetings, participates in program reviews, and consults on technical issues across multidisciplinary teams.


• Provides guidance and consulting to other staff members working on difficult engineering problems and supports mentoring of junior engineers and scientists.


• Anticipates future engineering needs and recommends modifications required to accomplish technical and programmatic goals.


• Addresses complex technical issues requiring creative approaches, drawing on advanced engineering concepts and an understanding of system‑level impacts.


• May assume technical and engineering responsibility for the success of an identifiable project or major project task, including coordination of design, analysis, build, and test activities.


• Directs activities of design or technical staff and may lead a small team of professional staff on moderately complex efforts.


• Supports tailoring and application of standard GA processes, methods, tools, and metrics to meet unique program requirements, balancing execution risk, schedule, and cost.


• Supports technical baseline control activities, including participation in Engineering Review Boards (ERB) and Risk and Opportunity Management Process (ROMP) execution for assigned scope.


• Contributes to the design, development, integration, and testing of components and systems for space and military applications, and documents findings, communicates results, and supports test activities both on and off site.


• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.


• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.


• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.


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


• Designs, prototypes, builds, and tests fiber lasers and electro‑optical systems suitable for space and airborne applications.


• Hands‑on experience building high‑power fiber laser systems; operating fiber‑optic equipment; and using laboratory equipment such as beam profilers, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.


• Experience in the development, assembly/integration, environmental test, and characterization of laser/optical systems, including validation against system‑level requirements.


• Knowledge of laser physics, nonlinear optics, waveguide optics, laser communication, and free‑space beam propagation.


• Experience with optical fiber system build and integration, including fiber splicing, laser integration, optical testing, and electronics/mechanical integration.


• Capability to operate fiber‑splicing systems and to work with fragile optical components, requiring strong attention to detail, precision hand‑eye coordination, and the ability to work independently.


• Familiarity with multiple phases of the program lifecycle (e.g., concept development, design, integration, test, and deployment) and with environmental and, preferably, flight testing.


• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment and to coordinate with systems engineering, program management, and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).


• Experience contributing to the technical development, implementation, and testing of optical communication or advanced electro‑optical systems for space or airborne platforms.


• Ability to support procurement and technical oversight of supplier‑developed or government‑furnished equipment (GFE) hardware/software in collaboration with subcontract management and procurement teams.


• Demonstrated ability to drive closure and help resolve complex technical issues and challenges within assigned scope.


• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to enable effective interface within departments, with management, peers, customers, and government representatives.


• Active Top Secret clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 155,040 - 277,530