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.

With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude for initiating and developing designs, procedures, techniques and solutions to resolving advanced opto-mechanical engineering problems. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of broad specifications, objectives, possible results anticipated and critical reference points requiring special attention. Guides the successful resolution of engineering problems, serves as a consulting resource of engineering knowledge, applies the latest technological advancements to the problem, and may function in a project leadership role. Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff, makes technical presentations, and may represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small identifiable projects. Provides direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops innovative technical solutions to maintain optical performance of hardware through knowledge of thermal and structural impacts to an optical system. Systems may be terrestrial, airborne or space related.
• Provides focal point for technical communication within the Company management and may represent the Company as the prime technical contact to customers and/or government regulatory agencies.
• Documents work through drawings, presentations, analysis and test reports. Provides technical presentations as required to internal and external customers. Utilizes CAD software (Solidworks) for design generation.
• Provides expert guidance and consulting to other staff members working on difficult opto-mechanical problems.
• Anticipates future engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish a technical goal.
• May assume technical and engineering responsibility of the success of an identifiable project.
• Directs activities of design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

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 bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, seven or more years of experience with a master's degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Prior experience in opto-mechanical engineering or optical related technologies. Understanding of optical integration techniques and considerations. Ability to assist or perform alone functional testing, data capture, alignment verification, etc.
• Demonstrates extensive technical expertise and application of opto-mechanical principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with 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 are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Customer focused, formulates plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to work in a lead capacity for various programs/projects/initiatives.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Salary: $105,890 - $189,545