Thermal Vacuum Test Engineer – Optical Payloads

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking an experienced Thermal Test Engineer to support the thermal vacuum testing of optical systems and payloads. The role focuses on integration and testing of optical parts, sub-assemblies, and final payloads with limited direction.

The engineer will set up and maintain TVAC chambers, work with cryogenic/high-vacuum systems, and troubleshoot equipment while coordinating with engineers, customers, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors in engineering or related technical field and 9+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Applies advanced technical manufacturing engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice plus project/program leadership including planning and coordinating workloads.
• Must be able to develop new concepts, solve unusually complex problems, and be a technical expert in one or more areas of engineering.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for leadership interface with multiple stakeholders.
• Customer focused, capable of working independently or in a team and willing to travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and maintains methods, operation sequence and processes in the thermal vacuum testing of optical parts, components, sub- assemblies, and final assemblies.
• Support setup and maintenance of testing capabilities: Thermal and TVAC chambers or other equipment.
• Work with Cryogenic, High-Vacuum or High-Pressure Systems; provide technical expertise on thermal vacuum systems.
• Hands-on Thermal Vacuum Test of Opto-Mechanical systems and Optical Payloads.
• Read and interpret mechanical/electrical diagrams and customer test requirements to design test solutions.
• Troubleshoot test equipment issues (leaks, mechanical or electrical).
• Maintain configuration control of test facilities systems (air, cooling tower, vacuum, LN2, nitrogen).
• Collaborate with engineers, test directors, contractors and customers on test planning and execution.
• Coordinate for Test Support Equipment development with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure production processes comply with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking an experienced Thermal Test Engineer to support the thermal vacuum testing of optical systems and payloads. The role focuses on integration and testing of optical parts, sub-assemblies, and final payloads with limited direction.

The engineer will set up and maintain TVAC chambers, work with cryogenic/high-vacuum systems, and troubleshoot equipment while coordinating with engineers, customers, and suppliers.