Chief Engineer Space Payloads
Acton, Massachusetts
Overview
General Atomics pioneers technologies with the potential to change the world. Behind a talented global team of engineers, GA delivers safe, sustainable, and economical solutions to meet growing global demands. Our Engineers have an opportunity to work on first of a kind product lines within an incredible, dynamic environment.
Engineering positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience. Candidates from mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering backgrounds must know the fundamentals of engineering system developments, requirements, testing, and integration before getting to the final stages of customer interface and project management.
Schedule: Full-Time Salary
Job Level: Senior (8+ years)
Travel: 0 - 25
Success Profile
What makes a successful Chief Engineer Space Payloads at General Atomics? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.
- Analytical
- Collaborative
- Inventive
- Problem Solver
- Team Player
- Creative
Job Summary 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.
General Atomics is looking for a Chief Engineer for Space EO/IR Payload efforts within our Optical Sensor System Group in Acton, MA. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the technical strategy and technical execution of space payload programs and IRAD. 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. The Chief Engineer will be responsible for directing the execution activities of all functional disciplines on a program from the existing portfolio as well as heavily engaged in new pursuits.
DUTIES & 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
- Provide technical direction for all activities associated with the development, engineering, interfacing, integration, and testing of EO/IR Payload systems with complex hardware/software attributes
- 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.
- Technical authority for the program internally and main technical payload POC for the customer/stakeholders
- Provide guidance on program risks/opportunities
- Responsible for program technical issue resolution, ensures root cause is identified and corrective actions are executed
- Provide mentorship to develop lower-level engineering staff into future SMEs
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; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
- Experience leading the design, performance analysis, assembly, test, and operation of EO/IR space payloads.
- 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.
- Creative problem solver who demonstrates a broad ranging technical management and team development experience encompassing: Electro-optical multispectral and hyperspectral imaging sensors for space applications, Visible and Infrared Focal Plane Array technology, Process and system development, Failure and reliability engineering, Risk analysis and management.
- Able to present results and communicate with customers and senior management.
- Ability to Obtain and maintain a Top Secret and/or SCI Clearance.
Salary:$128,130 - $229,358
Benefits
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Healthcare
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Pension, 401(k)/Retirement Plans
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Competitive Pay
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Multiple product lines means a variety of work
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Paid Time Off

“The company is growing, has a very good reputation and had open positions in my area of expertise (aircraft design/design methodology development).”– Peter, Senior Staff Engineer

“We don't ascribe to quotas; we do ascribe to securing the BEST talent to enrich our culture toward healthy diversification and active/viable community service. We are STEM advocates.”– Debra, CSSBB: Staff Engineer

“Every day is different, with different problems to solve and many programs to support. I am a problem solver and have always been motivated by the tough questions.”– Scott, Laser Scientist

“I work in the Components Engineering and Obsolescence Management Dept. Our efforts are saving General Atomics several millions of dollars by proactively leading and informing the company of all these decisions which significantly impact production, sustainment and new designs.”– John, Staff Engineer
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