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General Atomics · 2 days ago

Senior Technologist & Architect, Space-based Optical Communication Networks

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$141K/yr - $252K/yr

13+ years exp

General Atomics (GA) is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development. They are seeking a senior-level engineer to work in the development of space-based optical communication networks, where the individual will support the development of optical communication payloads and systems in a leadership role.

EnergyEnergy EfficiencyManufacturingWireless

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

With limited management consultation, this position, serving as a recognized authority in space-based optical communications networks, conceptualizes and articulates innovative resolutions to highly technical and complex engineering problems, and provides complimentary subject area expertise in how optical networks relate to RF and other space-based networks

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. Functioning in an advisory or leadership role, directs the planning and oversight of the successful implementation of those resolutions

Advises or directs the planning for the implementation of engineering solutions, including strategic objectives and timetables. Anticipates and reports on future engineering challenges that will directly impact the present and future engineering objectives of the organization

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. Represents the company nationally through technical presentations and papers as an expert, consultant, and champion of specialized engineering knowledge

Functions as a key participant in attracting and retaining engineering business as well as professional staff by way of their specialized knowledge and national representation

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

Qualification

Satellite networksOptical communicationSystems engineeringNetwork architectureRF electronicsError correctionFree-space optical communicationLEOGEOMEO environmentsCommunication protocolsInterpersonal skillsPresentation skillsCustomer focused

Required

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; eighteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, sixteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or thirteen or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education

Must have expert level understanding of satellite networks, communication protocols, optical and RF waveforms & modulation schema, free-space optical communication, RF photonics, and RF electronics, satellite communication, transmitters, receivers, signal processing, error correction, and be able to speak to their associated options, technology space, associated benefits, drawbacks, and limitations

This individual should be familiar with other communication networks as they relate to optical networks and other related networking fields

Space-optical communication experience required. Must have track record of applying theory to solve real-world problems

Must have demonstrated experience with network architecture definition and implementation

Must possess strong systems engineering and architectural principles including synthesis, documentation, and communication

Experience with LEO, GEO, MEO environments, orbital dynamics and associated implications to space-optical communication network architecture & performance as well as associated radiation environments and impact on hardware design, options, and reliability

Experience with optical downlink and uplink through terrestrial atmosphere for satellite to air and satellite to ground communications

Must have strong understanding of US Government optical communication and interoperability standards, such as those from SDA and SSC

Broad knowledge of theory and expertise in error correction, implementation in FPGAs of error correction at the datalink layer including FEC, selective-repeat ARQ, stop-and-wait ARQ, and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC). Additional expertise in implementing New Radio (NR) hybrid-ARQ (HARQ) is desirable. Must have ability to support conversations regarding waveforms such as the 3GPP 5G NR LDPC waveform that SDA uses to specify FEC/ARQ in its OCT Standards

Must be a nationally recognized expert in one or more engineering fields as demonstrated by: (1) original work(s) published in national professional engineering journals; (2) invited presentations to national engineering symposiums; (3) participation as Chair on national engineering review panels; and, (4) engineering patents held

Has demonstrated leadership ability by directing/developing the solution(s) to highly technical and complex engineering problems, and has been a key participant in attracting and retaining engineering business as well as professional staff

Must possess the ability to: (1) guide the resolution of unusually complex technical problems; (2) champion the development of new concepts and principles; and, (3) serve as an expert spokesperson on those concepts and principles

Must also possess excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, be customer focused, and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment

Able to work extended hours and travel as required

Must have an active TS clearance with eligibility for special access; desired TS SCI