Scientist IX

5230674No5313300610.00.030-Jul-2026Scientist IXGeneral Atomics

The GA-EMS Optical Sensor System group in Acton, MA has an opening for a Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer to join a high-performance, multidisciplinary Advanced Technology group proposing, designing, and fielding sophisticated electro-optical sensors for space-based (both civil and defense) applications. This scientist position, serving as an internationally recognized authority in optics, conceptualizes and articulates innovative resolutions to the most highly technical and complex optical problems, including selecting the best design forms (refractive or reflective) given program requirements, and designing, analyzing, and optimizing the design form in concert with the requirements. This position also influences the attraction and retention of optical space payload business as well as the foremost professional staff. It anticipates and reports on future optical challenges that will directly impact the present and future objectives of the organization.

The Acton team specializes in designing very high-performance and innovative optical sensor systems, designed for both manufacturability and affordability, and this Lens Designer will perform an essential role and be a key member of the team. The Lens Designer will perform detailed tolerancing of the design in concert with opto-mechanical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers and the fabrication shops, and will support the assembly, alignment, and test of the optical assemblies, including during on-orbit checkout. The sensors will cover the UV, visible, and infrared spectral ranges, and include both multispectral and hyperspectral passive sensors, as well as active sensor systems.

Note: Job location can be flexible within GA-EMS Space site locations: Acton, MA (preferred), Boulder, CO; Centennial, CO; or Rancho Bernardo, CA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Design and analysis of optical designs for a range of space-based electro-optical sensor applications as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team through a concurrent engineering process.
• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance for developing optical design solutions, including lens design and optimization of both refractive and reflective designs.
• Perform tolerancing of optical designs in concert with other engineering disciplines.
• Prepare optical design packages suitable for quotation by vendors, as well as interact with prospective and current vendors.
• Conduct detailed interactions with vendors and fabrication shops.
• Prepare and present technical presentations both internally and to external customers.
• Support the build, alignment, optimization, and performance verification of optical systems for proposals and hardware programs.
• Effectively counsel, mentor, and transfer specialized optical knowledge of the highest level and complexity to management, professional, and support staff.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.56424BRScientists0% - 25% Full-Time Salary Massachusetts Secret187,600ActonDesired335,808Senior Principal Optical Lens Designer

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in a scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; twenty or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, eighteen or more years experience with a Masters degree, and fifteen or more with a PhD. Equivalent comprehensive scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Highly skilled in optical design using CODE V, OSLO, or Zemax.
• Solid understanding of radiometry, diffraction, and polarization.
• Expert understanding of designing, tolerancing, fabrication, and testing of optical systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working collaboratively with thermal and structural engineers supporting Structural-Thermal-Optical (STOP) analysis.
• Experience in assembly and alignment of reflective and refractive optical systems is highly desirable.
• Experience using Structural-Thermal-Optical (STOP) software is desirable.
• Experience designing with freeform surfaces is desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership and creativity in directing and developing solutions to highly technical and complex optical systems.
• Stray light analysis experience (FRED, TracePro, etc.) is desirable.
• Experience with MATLAB or other software coding is desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

YesSenior (8+ years) YesOnsite