Senior Electrical Engineer

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.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Engineer within the CSS group which is based on Herndon, VA although this position will be located in San Diego, CA. The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Key areas of focus include digital and analog hardware development and implementation, including schematic design, board layout, and board functional test, as well as a good understanding of associated firmware and software.
• Specific technical areas of expertise include electrical systems to support laser and optical systems, including high voltage drivers for Pockels cells, pulsed high current drives for diodes and electrical interfacing with avalanche photodiodes.
• Formulates plans, typically long term, for solution(s) development, documentation, and deployment, as well as meeting various compliance, reporting, and safety standards.
• Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates are completed.
• Determines technical objectives for solution(s) to advanced technical engineering problems.
• May function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff.
• Plans for future applications of solutions based on new developments in engineering technology.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in computer or electrical 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. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates a detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals; the capability of representing the organization as a prime technical contact; and the ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Experience with satellite programs is strongly desired, including exposure to the design, integration and test of satellite buses and a basic understanding of launch and flight operations of space vehicles.
• Must be comfortable with designing, developing, and debugging small circuitry, including test of prototype systems.
• Expertise must include electrical systems to support laser and optical systems, including high voltage drivers for Pockels cells, pulsed high current drives for diodes and electrical interfacing with avalanche photodiodes.
• Experience with electrical board layout software.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• US Citizenship is required, as is the ability to maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.