General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is a world leader in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) imaging, high energy lasers (HEL), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) and many other high-technology systems.

The GA-EMS Optical Technologies group has an opening in San Diego, CA for an Optical Scientist to join a high performance multidisciplinary advanced technology group that proposes, designs, and fields sophisticated optical and laser systems for ground, airborne and space-based (both civil and defense) applications. 
This Optical Scientist will be responsible for modeling, designing, analyzing, and optimizing in concert with the requirements of the other engineering groups as well as working with hardware in optics labs. Running non-sequential ray traces using Speos, Zemax or LighTools will be a primary function. The San Diego team specializes in designing high performance and innovative optical systems, designed for both manufacturability and affordability; and this Optical Scientist will perform an essential role and be a key member of the team. The Optical Scientist will perform tolerancing and Structural Thermal Optical Performance (S.T.O.P) analysis of the design in concert with Opto-mechanical, Mechanical, and Manufacturing group, and the fabrication shops and will support the assembly, alignment, and test of the optical assemblies. The optical systems cover the UV, Visible, and Infrared spectral ranges, and include both multispectral and hyperspectral passive sensors, as well as active sensor systems.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:Design and analysis of non-imaging as well as some imaging optical systems for a range of ground, airborne and space-based electro-optical sensor applications as part of a multidisciplinary engineering teamHands-on lab work: assemble, align, test, probe, troubleshoot, verify performance and validate diverse sets of optical and lasers systems in various optics labsTolerancing of optical designs in concert with other engineering disciplinesPreparation of optical design packages suitable for quotation by vendors, as well as interactions with prospective and current vendorsInteractions with vendors and fabrication shopsTechnical presentations both internally and to customersWe recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.