Electrical Engineer Space Payload Development

Electrical Engineer:
Space Payload Development

Be among the first 25 applicants.

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliated companies are world‑leading high‑technology systems developers ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. This is an exciting opportunity supporting the development of EO/IR space‑based payloads launched into various earth orbits.

• Assist the lead EO/IR Payload electrical engineer with conceptualizing electrical architectures, defining operational concepts, performing trade studies, and generating electrical subsystem level requirements flow‑downs (analysis and allocation) inclusive of verification/validation plans.
• Create and maintain component and payload interface documentation of the electrical systems inclusive of interconnections within the payload and external interfaces between the payload and spacecraft.
• Interact closely with Systems, Optical, Mechanical, and Integration & Test groups to refine and validate the electrical design and test of the Payload.
• Directly interface with key subcontractors and vendors in managing their design, development, testing, and acceptance of electrical components that are integrated into the GA Payload.
• Assist in the testing and debug resolution of electrical anomalies at the component and system level, determining root cause and implementing corrective action.
• Contribute to the design of various test equipment used during payload integration and test, including test rack architecture using COTS and custom hardware, and their assembly and validation with subsystems prior to delivery.
• Support the lead EE in managing electrical payload tasks and providing the GA Program team with reports on technical, cost, and schedule performance of the electrical systems tasks.
• Support the business area during proposals by generating electrical architectures and estimating hours and effort required for the proposed work.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows: twelve or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, ten or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. Equivalent engineering experience may be substituted for education.
• Experience with space‑qualified design, development, integration, and test of electronics and electrical components used in space environments requiring radiation hardening, thermal and power constraints, etc.
• Experience incorporating and interfacing with various imaging sensors including CCDs, CMOS, and other detectors used in electro‑optical payloads from visible through long‑wave infrared wavelengths.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC/ESD design and test requirements for aerospace hardware, including spacecraft‑level grounding and electrical interface control definitions.
• Experience interfacing with subcontractors and vendors, including generating detailed specifications and test requirements, providing technical guidance, and issue resolution.
• Experience using multiple electrical engineering toolsets including FPGA design, schematic capture, computer‑aided design software.
• Knowledge and experience in software coding and analysis using tools such as Matlab/Python or other similar tools.
• Familiarity with performing design trade studies and analyses to optimize electrical designs relative to performance, cost, size, and weight.
• Laboratory and cleanroom experience using test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electronic test hardware in the validation and debug of space‑grade electronics and components.
• Familiarity with the space payload engineering lifecycle process from conceptual design through post‑launch support.
• Ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organise work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience preparing for and presenting at customer reviews.
• Must be able to work extended hours as required and be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and workloads.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Full‑time - Salary

Salary range: $116,480 – $208,505