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Systems Engineer, Test Planning and Execution

General Atomics
General Atomics Salary
Acton, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/15/2026
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 is looking for a Systems Engineer for Space EO/IR Payload efforts within our Optical Sensor System Group in Acton, MA. The Systems Engineer is responsible for the technical strategy and technical execution of space payload programs. 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.

DUTIES AND 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
  • Experience associated with the development, engineering, interfacing, integration, and testing of EO/IR Payload systems with complex hardware/software attributes
  • Support requirements maintaining automated test infrastructure and Python-based test frameworks supporting electrical, software, and optical subsystem verification
  • Collaborate with the Flight Software teams to assess, debug, and verify C-based embedded code behavior through hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • Document test procedures, configurations, and results in accordance with engineering and quality processes
  • 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.
  • Provide guidance on program risks/opportunities
  • Responsible for program technical issue resolution, ensures root cause is identified and corrective actions are executed


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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Experience with key elements of the design, assembly, test, and operation of EO/IR space sensors.
  • 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.
  • Familiarity with optics and optical test equipment, including Collimators, Integrating Spheres, Blackbodies, Lasers, and stages
  • Understanding of Python for test automation, data handling, hardware control, and analysis
  • Ability to read and understand C code, particularly for diagnostics and interface verification
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
  • Creative problem solver who demonstrates a broad ranging technical skillset
  • Able to present results and communicate with customers and senior management
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance required (Current clearance highly desired).


Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398

Salary.com Estimation for Systems Engineer, Test Planning and Execution in Acton, MA
$128,783 to $158,024
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