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) is seeking an experienced Lead Scientist, Optical Systems to support the development, integration, test, and operation of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) space payloads and imaging systems. The Optical Scientist will provide technical leadership throughout the payload development lifecycle, from concept development and requirements definition through optical analysis, hardware integration, alignment, calibration, environmental testing, verification, production support, and on-orbit operations.

This role emphasizes optical systems engineering, metrology, alignment, calibration, image-quality assessment, test development, and engineering data analysis. The successful candidate will work with optical designers, systems engineers, scientists, technicians, and program leadership to develop and mature complex optical instruments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead optical systems engineering activities for EO/IR payloads and imaging instruments.
• Develop optical architectures, concepts of operation, requirements, trade studies, and technical approaches.
• Perform analyses related to radiometry, image quality, wavefront error, focus, boresight, pointing, jitter, stray light, and system sensitivity.
• Lead optical alignment, calibration, metrology, integration, and performance verification activities.
• Develop test methods, procedures, fixtures, equipment, and optical ground support equipment.
• Plan and support assembly, integration, environmental testing, calibration, and verification of optical payloads.
• Process and analyze test data using computational models, simulations, and engineering software.
• Develop measurement uncertainty budgets and evaluate measurement repeatability and system accuracy.
• Lead anomaly investigations and root-cause analyses involving optical performance and test results.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to engineers, technicians, and other professional staff.
• Review technical work and represent the organization in discussions with customers, suppliers, government representatives, and internal leadership.
• Support proposal development and the pursuit of new or expanded business opportunities.

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; twelve or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, ten or more years experience with a Masters degree, and seven or more with a PhD. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education
• Extensive technical expertise in optical systems, EO/IR instruments, imaging systems, or related scientific disciplines.
• Experience leading the design, analysis, integration, alignment, calibration, testing, and operation of complex optical systems.
• Experience developing optical test methods, procedures, equipment, and support hardware.
• Experience with optical data processing, modeling, simulation, and engineering analysis.
• Experience translating system-level requirements into subsystem, performance, calibration, and verification requirements.
• Ability to coordinate technical activities, meet program milestones, communicate effectively, and provide leadership to less experienced personnel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spaceflight experience with optical payloads, telescopes, observatories, or complex imaging instruments.
• Experience with visible through long-wave infrared systems.
• Strong background in optical systems engineering rather than primarily lens design, including system-level performance assessment and requirements flowdown.
• Hands-on experience with assembly, integration, alignment, calibration, and test of optical instruments.
• Experience in optical metrology, interferometry, wavefront measurement, image-quality testing, and measurement uncertainty.
• Experience developing calibration approaches, test methods, procedures, optical ground support equipment, and laboratory capabilities.
• Experience with optical and imaging data processing, engineering modeling, simulation, and automated analysis.
• Experience with radiometric, geometric, spectral, or image-quality calibration.
• Experience with thermal-vacuum or cryogenic optical testing.
• Experience with pointing, jitter, boresight, focus, line-of-sight performance, or STOP analysis.
• Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar programming languages.
• Experience with Code V, Zemax, SigFit, or equivalent optical analysis tools.
• Experience with precision metrology equipment, including interferometers, coordinate measuring machines, or laser trackers.
• Experience mentoring engineers and technicians and transferring specialized technical methods to broader teams.
• Published technical work, invited presentations, or participation in scientific and technical review panels.

Job Category

Scientists

Experience Level

Senior (8+ years)

Workstyle

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low

130,500

Pay Range High

228,375

Travel Percentage Required

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?

Yes

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Clearance Required?

Yes

Clearance Level

Secret

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