Senior Electrical Engineer, Optical Sensor Systems

Until 9/5/2026 5+ years exp First posted May 29, 2026 Last posted July 7, 2026
Job description
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 are looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Optical Sensor System team in Acton, MA. 

With limited management consultation, this position, serving as a recognized authority in one or more engineering fields, conceptualizes and articulates innovative resolutions to highly technical and complex engineering problems. Functioning in an advisory or leadership role, directs the planning and oversight of the successful implementation of those resolution. Represents the company nationally through technical presentations and papers as an expert, consultant, and champion of specialized engineering knowledge and is a presence in attracting and retaining engineering business and professional staff.  Anticipates and reports on future engineering challenges that will directly impact the present and future engineering objectives of the organization.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Leverage expertise in space electronics design and new electrical technologies to lead trades analyses in performance and size, weight, power, and cost for satellite payloads.
  • Lead electronics system design in coordination with functional teammates to ensure and system level requirements and electrical flowdowns are met
  • Familiarization with modeling tools to develop insights in co-design of different optical technologies in a single optical payload.
  • Assist in roadmap development of novel imaging technologies for future space systems and explore nascent concepts.
  • Generation of detailed electrical specifications for subcontractors as well as cable manufactures
  • Experience in integration of electrical assemblies including managing electrical subcontractors, design for manufacture and test, and hands-on assistance to Manufacturing Engineering in debug and performance characterization
  • Interacts with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between organizations.
  • Provides leadership, direction and guidance for research into the solution of engineering problems.
  • Advises or directs the planning for the implementation of engineering solutions, including strategic objectives and timetables.
  • Participates or directs the allocation of technical resources and professional staff to achieve objectives.
  • Prepares status/progress reports and ensure compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
  • Acts as spokesperson and represents the technical capabilities of the organization to national audiences.
  • Functions as a key participant in attracting and retaining engineering business as well as professional staff.
  • Effectively counsels, mentors and transfers highly specialized technical engineering knowledge to management, professional and support 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.
About this role

Summary

Lead electrical design, integration, and research for optical sensor systems in space applications.

Job title

Senior Electrical Engineer, Optical Sensor Systems

Experience level

senior level

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

defense

Location requirements

On-site in Acton, MA, no remote work specified.

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

electrical designsystem integrationelectrical specificationsmodeling tools

Preferred skills

optical technologiesspace electronicsresearch leadership

Specializations

space electronicsoptical technologieselectrical designsystem integrationmodeling tools
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Acton, MA, USA

On-site City