Senior Scientist, Optical Communications Payloads

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

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Senior Scientist, Optical Communication Payloads in Rancho Bernardo, CA, to advance EO/IR space‑based payloads and airborne laser systems. You will lead multidisciplinary engineering work, mentor staff, and coordinate design, analysis, and testing across programs.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of relevant experience with fiber laser systems and optical communications, holding a senior level academic degree, with willingness to work

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in a scientific/technical field with extensive experience; 15+ years with a Bachelors, 13+ with a Masters, or 10+ with a PhD.
• Designs, prototypes, builds, and tests fiber lasers and electro‑optical systems for space and airborne use.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑power fiber laser systems and lab equipment such as beam profilers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers.
• Experience in development, assembly/integration, environmental test, and characterization of laser/optical systems.
• 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 and laser integration.

Responsibilities

• Develops innovative solutions for advanced electro‑optical and laser systems.
• Acts as a technical point of contact for assigned projects and may interface with customers/government entities.
• Presents reports at engineering reviews and mentors junior engineers and scientists.
• Guides design staff on complex tasks and coordinates test activities.
• Supports risk management and engineering baseline processes for assigned scope.
• Contributes to design, development, integration, and testing of space/airborne components and systems.
• Maintains confidentiality and compliance with laws and company policies.

Skills

Fiber lasers

Laser systems

Optical testing

System integration

Technical mentoring

Education

Advanced science degree (Bachelors/Masters/PhD)

Tools

Beam profilers

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Senior Scientist, Optical Communication Payloads in Rancho Bernardo, CA, to advance EO/IR space‑based payloads and airborne laser systems. You will lead multidisciplinary engineering work, mentor staff, and coordinate design, analysis, and testing across programs.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of relevant experience with fiber laser systems and optical communications, holding a senior level academic degree, with willingness to work