Demo

Senior Principal Electrical-Optics Engineer

General Dynamics
Annapolis, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 5/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/23/2026
Basic Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 10 years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of job-related experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Ability to obtain a Department of Defense TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

As a Senior Principal Electro-Optics Engineer, you will architect, design, develop, build, and test systems and new products involving advanced photonic and laser technologies. The breadth of these projects includes technologies for application in free-space optical (FSO) and fiber communications and sensors, photonic integrated circuits, active and passive optical remote sensing and imaging, microwave photonics, and quantum technologies.

In the execution of programs, you will be leading or be a major contributor to the architecture, requirements definition, trade studies, performance analysis, design, integration, test, and verification of these systems. Additionally, this position involves leading and/or interfacing with hardware and software design teams to assist in the overall development of these systems. Furthermore, there will be the opportunity to help architect future products and support proposals for new business.

What You Bring to the Table:
  • Demonstrable experience complex electronics architecture development, requirements derivation, and suballocation.
  • Hands-on lab experience with use of electronic test equipment.
  • Demonstrable experience defining system behavior and system structure.
  • Experience with the design, simulation, and verification of electronic circuit assemblies.
  • Demonstrable experience with high-speed mixed-signal design and verification (e.g. DDR4).
  • Demonstrable experience with the design of complex systems and subsystems.
  • Demonstrable experience with the cradle-to-grave life cycle of related products.
  • Experience leading small teams of engineers with diverse skillsets.
  • Ability to mentor junior personnel.

What sets you apart:
  • Proficiency with Electrical Engineering Design and Modeling tools (e.g. Xpedition/HyperLynx).
  • Demonstrable experience with design for Signal Integrity, EMI, and EMC.
  • Experience with the design and development of high-speed mixed-signal electronics hardware and packaging.
  • Ability to take ownership of complex projects and drive them to successful completion.
  • Experience with design for high-reliability/space applications.
  • Experience briefing upper levels of management and Customer representatives.
  • Collaborative, creative thinker with demonstrated success leading design teams for complex projects
  • Exceptional communication skills with the capacity to drive innovation and secure buy-in on concepts and ideas
  • Experienced in the art of negotiation with ability to meet challenging customer requirements with win-win solutions
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-benefits

Workplace Options:

This position is On-site with flex options
While on-site, you will be a part of the Annapolis Junction Team

#LI-Hybrid

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $202,197.00 - USD $213,254.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Salary : $202,197 - $213,254

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