What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electro-Optical Scientist position at General Atomics?
Job Summary
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is rapidly expanding its Optical Technologies Group, building a world-class, vertically integrated capability in multi-spectral space and airborne electro-optical (EO) payloads, optical communication terminals (OCTs), adaptive optics (AO), missile seekers, and directed energy (DE) systems. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge technologies that protect the nation and its warfighters.
We invest heavily in optics and photonics infrastructure, internal R&D, and employee-focused technical training. We seek a hands-on, photonics-centric scientist who can both lead laboratory development efforts and contribute to analytical/theoretical research. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can operate with minimal direction, and communicates a clear technical vision across diverse teams.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job Qualifications
Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is rapidly expanding its Optical Technologies Group, building a world-class, vertically integrated capability in multi-spectral space and airborne electro-optical (EO) payloads, optical communication terminals (OCTs), adaptive optics (AO), missile seekers, and directed energy (DE) systems. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge technologies that protect the nation and its warfighters.
We invest heavily in optics and photonics infrastructure, internal R&D, and employee-focused technical training. We seek a hands-on, photonics-centric scientist who can both lead laboratory development efforts and contribute to analytical/theoretical research. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can operate with minimal direction, and communicates a clear technical vision across diverse teams.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead design, modeling, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical systems.
- Apply expertise in EO system simulation, adaptive optics, free-space optical communications, wavefront sensing, laser systems, radiometry, interferometry, and polarization.
- Perform parametric studies, design trade analyses, and performance verification of EO sensor concepts.
- Architect and execute laboratory demonstrations, including hands-on optical alignment, assembly, and precision testing.
- Develop and implement algorithms for EO data processing (MATLAB, Python).
- Utilize optical design software (Zemax, FRED, or equivalent) for conceptual and detailed optical system design.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems engineering, opto-mechanics, mechanisms, algorithms, GNC) to mature EO subsystems and payload concepts.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and subject-matter expertise in advanced optical physics and photonics.
- Serve as a focal point for technical communication with company leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
- Contribute to technical reviews, program reports, and customer briefings.
- Anticipate emerging EO technology needs and develop innovative solutions to address them.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, program security requirements, and safe laboratory practices.
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; nine or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, seven or more years experience with a Masters degree, and four or more with a PhD. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education
- Demonstrated expertise in EO/IR system design, analysis, and test.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory optical integration and alignment.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Python for modeling and data analysis.
- Familiarity with optical design tools (Zemax, FRED, Code V, or equivalent).
- Strong background in applied physics, mathematics, and computational methods.
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and communicate across disciplines.
- U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
- Self-starter with the ability to operate independently in both theoretical and experimental settings.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a record of innovation and practical implementation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical audiences.
- Passion for advancing EO and photonics technologies in national security application
Salary range: 116,480 - 208,505