Lead Optical Payload Engineer
General Atomics
Longmont, CO · Posted September 24, 2026
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Where Longmont, CO ranks
Where Longmont, CO placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Mountain West70% · of 19
- #13Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Mountain West5% · of 19
- #16Best cities for junior jobs in the Mountain West25% · of 19
- #16Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Mountain West60 openings · of 22
- #19Best cities for director and executive jobs in the Mountain West3% · of 19
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among engineers, all other is little observed so far. Measured exposure for engineers, all other: 7% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
About the job
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, radar, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. With limited direction, this position is responsible for leading the alignment, assembly, integration and test of optical space payloads, from critical component to system level validation, while ensuring conformity to overall mission requirements. Works in a crossdisciplinary team and with subcontractors to validate and progressively iterate refinements to overall system design, test procedures, operability and interface definition of novel optical payload systems. Ideal candidate has deep familiarity with payload design cycle from concept through manufacturing and deployment, hands-on experience in optical space payload ground-based alignment, test and integration, environmental test, and experience in optical system performance analysis, test plan development and execution. Develops, implements, and maintains methods, operation sequences and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of optical parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final system-level assemblies. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform hands-on assembly and test of space optical systems. Setup and maintain optical metrology (calibrated light sources, interferometers, autocollimators), vibration testing, thermal vacuum chambers (TVAC), or other pieces of test equipment. Support parametric studies of advanced electro-optical sensors and concepts, perform design trade studies and verification analyses to optimize system performance. 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.