Senior Laser Scientist

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) 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Laser Scientist to join our Optical Technologies engineering team located in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

The Optical Technologies team is focused on the design, development, fabrication and integration of high energy laser systems, laser weapons systems, satellite systems, advanced technologies and advanced sensors that provide targeting, tracking and identification functionality. The ideal candidate for this position is a Laser Scientist who has a strong background in research and development activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Determines technical objectives for solution(s) to advanced technical scientific problems.
• Develop laser architectures to meet top-level performance metrics, incorporating laser energetics and thermal/opto-mechanical limitations.
• Analyzes laser system performance, including laser energetics, diffraction modeling, beam propagation, beam quality and system efficiency.
• Build and test developmental laser systems, including optical alignment and integration of electro-optical and opto-mechanical components.
• Represents the organization as a prime technical contact within a scientific team for assigned project(s)/program(s).
• May function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff.
• Formulates plans and guides the development and implementation of scientific solution(s) including deployment, resource requirements, testing, documentation, integration and compliance and safety.
• Plans and coordinates the maintenance of scientific solutions including, documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical and other presentations to ensure viability of the solution(s) in an evolving environment.
• Plans for future applications of solutions based on new developments in scientific technology.
• Participates in or may lead the development of new or expansion of existing business opportunities.
• May develop and/or perform advanced computational modeling of scientific phenomena.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
  
  
  

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.
• The ideal candidate has direct technical experience in working with high peak and/or average power laser systems, with preference given to expertise in either diode-pumped solid state or fiber laser technologies. A general knowledge of the working principles of diverse optical fields and technologies, including electro-optics, fiber optics, adaptive optics, and nonlinear optics is a plus.
• Must have the ability to contribute at a high technical level in both hands-on experimental work and theoretical/modeling activities.
• Design, prototype, build, and test fiber lasers suitable for space and airborne applications.
• Hands-on experience building high-power fiber laser systems, operating fiber optic equipment, and laboratory equipment such as beam profilers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers.
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments; and perform characterization and analysis to validate against system level requirements.
• Knowledge of laser physics, nonlinear optics, waveguide optics, laser communication, and free space beam propagation
• Experienced in the development, build, and test of laser/optical systems
• Experience with optical fiber system build and integration, including fiber splicing, laser integration, optical testing and electronics/mechanical integration.
• Capability to operate fiber splicing systems and to work with fragile optical components, requiring a strong attention to detail, precision hand-eye coordination and ability to work independently.
• Must also be customer focused; able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment; and, able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required
  
  
  

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 128,130 - 229,358