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Chief Engineer Optical Space Payloads

General Atomics
General Atomics Salary
Acton, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/6/2026
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 is looking for a Chief Engineer for Space EO/IR Payload efforts within our Optical Sensor System Group in Acton, MA. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the technical strategy and technical execution of space payload programs and IRAD. This includes all phases of development from pre-award concept development, initial architecture and development of interfaces and component requirements through design, testing and verification, production support, and on orbit operations. The Chief Engineer will be responsible for directing the execution activities of all functional disciplines on a program from the existing portfolio as well as heavily engaged in new pursuits.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Application of electro-optical and infrared remote sensing system knowledge to develop and refine space payload system architectures for weather, earth science, missile defense, ISR, or other space sensing missions
  • Provide technical direction for all activities associated with the development, engineering, interfacing, integration, and testing of EO/IR Payload systems with complex hardware/software attributes
  • Support payload concept development, system architecture development, system and subsystem requirements development, systems analysis and trade studies, and systems modeling and simulation
  • Organize and review technical efforts, documentation, and deliverables on payload contracts in conjunction with program management staff.
  • Technical authority for the program internally and main technical payload POC for the customer/stakeholders
  • Provide guidance on program risks/opportunities
  • Responsible for program technical issue resolution, ensures root cause is identified and corrective actions are executed
  • Provide mentorship to develop lower-level engineering staff into future SMEs


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; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Experience leading the design, performance analysis, assembly, test, and operation of EO/IR space payloads.
  • Strong multi-disciplinary technical breadth in Space Systems and Ground Test Domain
  • Specialized experience including the use of structured analysis, design methodologies and/or design tools in the development and implementation of large projects and experience leading EO/IR sensor assembly, integration, and test teams.
  • Creative problem solver who demonstrates a broad ranging technical management and team development experience encompassing: Electro-optical multispectral and hyperspectral imaging sensors for space applications, Visible and Infrared Focal Plane Array technology, Process and system development, Failure and reliability engineering, Risk analysis and management.
  • Able to present results and communicate with customers and senior management.
  • Active DoD security clearance required


Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 140,940 - 252,293

Salary.com Estimation for Chief Engineer Optical Space Payloads in Acton, MA
$214,626 to $255,010
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