Scientist V
Listed on 2026-02-28
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineering
Overview
53308
Company: General Atomics
Job SummaryGeneral 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
The GA-EMS Optical Technologies group has an opening for an Optical System Lens Designer to join a high performance multidisciplinary Advanced Technology group proposing, designing, and fielding sophisticated electro-optical sensors for airborne and space-based (both civil and defense) applications in either San Diego, CA or Acton, MA. This Engineer will be responsible for selecting the best design forms (refractive or reflective) given program requirements, designing, analyzing, and optimizing the design form in concert with the requirements of the other team members.
The team specializes in designing very high performance and innovative optical sensor systems, designed for both manufacturability and affordability; and this Optical System Lens Design Engineer will perform an essential role and be a key member of the team. The Optical System Lens Design Engineer will perform detailed tolerancing of the design in concert with Opto-mechanical, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Engineers, and the fabrication shops and will support the assembly, alignment, and test of the optical assemblies, including during on-orbit checkout.
The sensors will cover the UV, Visible, and Infrared spectral ranges, and include both multispectral and hyperspectral passive sensors, as well as active sensor systems.
Design and analysis of the optical designs for a range of airborne and space-based electro-optical sensor applications as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team through a concurrent engineering process
Design and optimization of both refractive and reflective optical designs
Tolerancing of optical designs in concert with other engineering disciplines
Preparation of Optical Design packages suitable for quotation by vendors, as well as interactions with prospective and current vendors
Detailed Interactions with vendors and fabrication shops.
Preparation and presentation of Technical Presentation both internally and to Customers
Support the build, alignment, optimization and performance verification of optical systems
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job DetailsJob #: 53308
Job Category: Engineering
Travel Percentage
Required:
0% - 25%
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Salary
State: California
Clearance Level: Secret
Pay Range Low: 116,480
City: San Diego
Clearance Required?: Desired
Pay Range High: 208,505
Recruitment Posting
Title:
Optical Systems Lens Designer
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
Highly skilled in optical design using CodeV or ZEMAX
Solid understanding of radiometry, diffraction, and polarization
Solid understanding of designing, tolerancing, fabrication and testing of optical systems
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Experience working collaboratively with thermal and structural engineers
Experience in assembly and alignment of reflective and refractive optical systems is highly desirable
Experience using Structural-Thermal-Optical-Thermal (STOP) software is desirable
Experience designing with freeform surfaces is desirable
Stray light analysis experience (FRED, Trace Pro etc) is desirable
Experience with MATLAB is desirable.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required
US Citizenship Required?: Yes
Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)
Relocation Assistance Provided?: Yes
Workstyle: Onsite
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected…
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