Systems Integration and Test Engineer

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

GeneralAtomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking a highly motivated Systems Integration & Test engineer for the Optical Payload I&T team in Acton, MA. You will plan and execute integration, test, and verification activities for electro-optical space payloads, working with systems, software, and electrical engineers to ensure performance and reliability.

The role involves test automation, data analysis, and collaboration in lab and cleanroom environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related field.
• 9+ years of engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree; 7+ with a Master's; 4+ with a PhD.
• Practical experience with system integration, verification, test, or complex lab development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute integration, functional test, qualification, and acceptance activities for EO/IR payload hardware.
• Develop detailed test plans and procedures from system requirements and verification objectives.
• Coordinate hardware/software configurations, GSE, and instrumentation for tests.
• Support system verification planning and maintain evidence for requirements closure.
• Perform hands-on payload integration and testing in lab and environmental-test environments.
• Lead test events and coordinate engineers, operators, and stakeholders.
• Analyze test data, document results, anomalies, and compliance; propose retest plans.

Skills

System integration

Test automation

Electrical troubleshooting

Technical writing

Leadership

DoD security clearance

Problem solving

Lab collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree in engineering or related field

PhD in engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

EGSE

Lab instrumentation

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.

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.

At GA-EMS – Optical Sensor Systems, we design, build, and test advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) space payload that power next-generation remote-sensing systems. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team tackling technically challenging problems in a collaborative, hands-on environment. We value innovation, rigor, and accountability—offering opportunities for growth and leadership based on technical excellence.

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Integration & Test (I&T) engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration & Test (I&T) team. This role focuses on electro-optical system integration, test automation, and verification & validation of complex EO/IR payload subsystems. You will work closely with systems, software, and electrical engineers to plan and execute integration activities, automate test workflows, and ensure performance and reliability requirements are met. Candidates should be comfortable working in laboratory and cleanroom environments with test hardware, software interfaces, and data analysis tools. This is a full-time position located in Acton, MA.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and execute integration, functional test, qualification, and acceptance activities for electro-optical space payload hardware
• Develop detailed test plans and procedures from system requirements, verification objectives, and engineering constraints
• Coordinate test prerequisites including hardware configuration, software/firmware versions, GSE, facilities, instrumentation, staffing, and required documentation
• Support system verification planning and maintain objective evidence required for requirements closure
• Perform hands-on payload integration and test activities in laboratory and environmental-test environments
• Lead individual test events and coordinate operators, engineering support, Quality, and other stakeholders
• Analyze test data and prepare test reports documenting configuration, results, anomalies, and compliance
• Identify test discrepancies, support troubleshooting/root-cause investigations, and develop appropriate retest plans
• Evaluate existing procedures and test approaches for completeness, repeatability, safety, and efficiency
• Support Test Readiness Reviews, qualification reviews, acceptance reviews, and customer-facing technical reviews
• Define instrumentation, GSE, and test-station requirements in coordination with software, electrical, and mechanical engineering
• Contribute to continuous improvement and automation of integration and test activities
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians during test planning and execution

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; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Practical experience with system integration, verification, test, or complex laboratory development
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop technically rigorous test procedures
• Working understanding of requirements verification and objective evidence
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting electrical, software, firmware, communications, instrumentation or system-level problems
• Experience configuring and operating laboratory instrumentation and test equipment
• Ability to analyze engineering data and draw technically sound conclusions
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead a test activity involving multiple contributors
• Comfortable operating independently with broad technical direction rather than detailed task-by-task instructions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft, payload, aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware
• Experience with environmental qualification or acceptance testing
• EO/IR, detector, camera, optics, or imaging-system experience
• Familiarity with embedded electronics, FPGAs, command/telemetry interfaces, and embedded software
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering automation/data-analysis tools
• Experience with formal test readiness and review processes
• Experience developing EGSE or automated test equipment
• Experience with how to safely bring up electronics and test equipment for the first time in a lab environment

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545