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.

Whether designing spacecraft for specific missions or integrating advanced technologies into complex systems, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is redefining the possibilities of space exploration and defense. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed by operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic missions.

General Atomics is seeking a motivated and experienced Space Vehicle Test Team Supervisor to lead a team of engineers responsible for the integration, testing, and validation of satellite systems, with a focus on electrical and RF subsystems. The successful candidate will oversee the execution of system-level and subsystem-level testing activities, ensuring compliance with mission requirements, schedules, and budgets, while fostering innovation and technical excellence within the team.

Reporting to the Space Systems Electrical Engineering Manager, the successful candidate will collaborate with a team of expert engineers to support the development of cutting-edge satellite and space systems, advanced sensors, high-energy lasers, photonic devices, motors and drives, defense products, and other innovative technologies within GA-EMS’s expanding portfolio.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Lead and supervise a team of test engineers responsible for the integration and testing of satellite systems, with a focus on electrical and RF subsystems.
• Develop and manage comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules to ensure alignment with mission objectives and program milestones.
• Oversee system-level and subsystem-level testing activities, including functional testing, environmental testing (e.g., EMI/EMC), and final performance validation.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, mission requirements, and best practices during all phases of testing, including adherence to MIL-STD and NASA specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software, systems engineering, and payload teams, to ensure seamless integration and compatibility of satellite subsystems.
• Provide technical leadership during troubleshooting and debugging of satellite systems, resolving complex issues efficiently to maintain program schedules.
• Manage test equipment and laboratory resources, ensuring availability, calibration, and proper utilization for satellite testing activities.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including test plans, reports, data analysis summaries, and compliance certifications.
• Support mission-critical activities, including pre-launch readiness reviews, launch site integration, and post-launch performance evaluations.
• Stay updated on advancements in satellite testing techniques and technologies, proactively identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and government representatives, providing updates on test progress and results.
• Participate in technical reviews, including requirements, design, and test procedure reviews, ensuring alignment with program goals and mission objectives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the satellite test team.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

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; twelve or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, ten or more years of experience with a masters degree, or seven or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Extensive hands-on experience with satellite vehicle integration and testing, including functional, environmental, and system-level testing.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams in a space vehicle test environment, including task delegation, technical mentorship, and performance management.
• Familiarity with satellite test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, and RF test systems.
• Knowledge of environmental testing procedures (EMI/EMC) and compliance with industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-461).
• Experience with system-level troubleshooting and debugging of satellite electrical and RF subsystems.
• Active and current TS/SCI clearance is required.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with satellite payload integration and testing, including RF and optical systems.
• Familiarity with satellite ground support equipment (GSE) and launch site integration activities.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, SPICE, Ansys).
• Demonstrated technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice, with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and professionals.
• Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and providing technical leadership on testing-related issues.
• Customer-focused and able to formulate plans based on the development of innovative designs to resolve advanced technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work independently or in a team environment and prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews for all levels of management, customers, and government representatives.

Salary:$116,480 - $208,505