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Electrical Engineering Manager, Optical Sensor Systems

General Atomics

Acton, MA · Posted October 28, 2026

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About the job

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. We are looking for an Electrical Engineering Manager to join our team in Acton, MA. With consultative direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solution(s) for opto-mechanical related programs. Functioning in a leadership role, participates in the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of opto-mechanical solutions and provides direction and guidance to professional and support staff. Formulates technical plans, typically multi-year, for solution(s) development, documentation, and deployment of the engineering solution (s), as well as responsible for meeting various compliance, reporting, and safety standards. Evaluates the integration of the opto-mechanical solution within the overall engineering environment; and responsible for planning/overseeing documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates. Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle; represents the company as a prime technical contact on assigned system(s) or project (s)/program(s); selects, motivates, and develops professional and support staff; interacts with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations; anticipates future engineering needs; and, develops new or expands existing business opportunities. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Manage professional and technical performance of Optical Payload Electrical Engineering staff to ensure quality, business and financial objectives are achieved. Provide mentorship to team members including performing performance reviews and salary management for staff. Supports and leads the engineering staff in the analysis, investigation and resolution of routine engineering problems with a focus on optical systems and electronic subsystems. Ensures technical leadership and excellence is maintained by directing and participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention and development of the required professional and technical talent. Demonstrated experience with digital processing subsystems, focal plane arrays, motor controllers, heater circuits, temperature-monitoring circuits, and familiarity with cryocooler systems, including their design, integration, and testing for aerospace applications. Independently performs challenging engineering work, documents findings, communicates results, makes technical presentations, and supports test activities both on and off site. Designs, develops, and tests all aspects of optical components and equipment. 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. Manage aerospace electrical design subcontractors by reviewing technical specifications and design deliverables, overseeing worst-case circuit analyses, and ensuring adherence to applicable engineering standards, interface requirements, and sound design practices. Support weekly subcontractor meetings by coordinating technical discussions, reviewing action items, monitoring deliverables, and tracking progress against the overall program schedule. 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 manufacturer Familiarity with NASA EEE-INST-002 and associated spaceflight standards and specifications, including applicable MIL-STD-883, MIL-PRF-38535, MIL-PRF-38534, MIL-PRF-19500, MIL-STD-750, MIL-STD-202, NASA-STD-6016, and NASA workmanship standards for the selection, screening, qualification, derating, and application of electrical, electronic, and electromechanical components. Design and develop aerospace electrical cabling and wire harness assemblies, including routing, connector selection, and detailed drawings, while ensuring compliance with applicable engineering standards, configuration requirements, and manufacturing constraints. Experience integrating electrical assemblies, developing safe-to-mate procedures and test procedures, supporting design for manufacture and test, and providing hands-on assistance to Manufacturing Engineering with debugging and performance characterization. Assist in the definition of functional, performance, derived, etc. system engineering requirements and interfaces. Familiarity with EMI/EMC requirements and applicable standards, including MIL-STD-461, and their application to the design, integration, testing, and qualification of aerospace electronics and subsystems. Experience performing management duties in collaboration with Cost Account Managers and Program Management to support planning, execution, cost, schedule, and performance objectives. Performs other duties as assigned or required. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.