Chief Engineer Optical Space Payloads

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.

This engineer would manage a project team of engineers of varying experience levels and disciplines while being responsible for the technical and performance execution of the engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity supporting the development of EO/IR space based payloads, and laser systems.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Guide architecture trades to search and find balanced technical, schedule and cost solutions for the customer.
• Mentor technical teams, hardware/software, designers, analysts through the full product lifecycle.
• Optimize processes and drive standard methodologies across the program to balance execution risk with shortened delivery schedules and optimized cost.
• Tailor the GA standard processes, methods, tools, and metrics as required for Program unique requirements.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for engineering with the Customer, systems integrators, program management and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
• Technical oversight and coordination of the engineering resources necessary to evaluate and resolve issues, including coordination of external expertise.
• Ensure technical baseline control by implementing Engineering Review Board (ERB) and supporting Risk and Opportunity Management Process (ROMP) execution.
• Manage professional and technical performance of staff to ensure quality, business and financial objectives are achieved.
• Supports and leads the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation and resolution of routine engineering problems.
• Independently performs challenging engineering work, documents findings, communicates results, makes technical presentations, and supports test activities both on and off site.
• Leads the designs, development, and testing of components and systems.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of design, analysis, fabrication and test techniques for space and military applications.
• Assists with requirement analysis, mission analysis, and design trade-offs.
• 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; 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.
• Familiarity with all aspects of the satellite system life cycle, including spacecraft development, environmental testing, launch, and operations.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment is required.
• Previous experience with optical systems is desired.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface within departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Experience with Systems Architecture design of spacecraft, payload and ground systems on a proposal effort.
• Experience in all phases of the program lifecycle – pre proposal through on-orbit checkout.
• Demonstrated strategic development and analysis skills.
• Experience with non-traditional ways (i.e. “Go-fast”) of meeting customer needs common in a research and development environment.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical talent.
• Demonstrated ability to drive closure and resolve complex technical issues/challenges.
• Demonstrated experience with development, assembly/integration/test, readiness, and operations of space systems.
• Experience with procurement and management of supplier developed or GFE hardware/software to include collaboration with enterprise subcontract management and procurement teams.
• Proven experience as a conceptual thinker with the ability to translate into action and results.
• Ability to build consensus among peers while building solid relationships with team members, leadership, subordinates, and customers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Salary:

$128,130 - $229,358