Senior FPGA Control Systems Engineer – Optics/Photonics

Job description

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.

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, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Electrical Engineer (EE) or Computer Engineer (CE) to join our Electrical Technologies Signal Electronics and Embedded Systems team located in Rancho Bernardo.

We are looking for someone with drive, talent, and experience in Embedded Firmware Design, Hardware Description Language, and Embedded Controls who also thrives in a fast-paced, Research and Development (R&D) environment.

The successful candidate will report to the EE Instrumentations and Control Team Manager and, alongside high-caliber staff, will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of High Energy Laser (HEL) Systems, advanced airborne sensors, laser communications systems for space applications, and a variety of other technologies in the expanding product portfolio of GA-EMS.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**

+ Work with GA-EMS Engineering staff and chief engineers in the concept development and prototype design, integration, and test of high-power processing solutions for all product lines and technology areas.

These encompass high-power motor drives, power conditioning systems, pulsed power systems, battery systems, high energy laser systems, space systems, advanced sensors, laser communications, target tracking, laser beam control/pointing, signal/image processing, and instrumentation.
+ With limited direction, exercise considerable latitude for initiating and developing designs, techniques, and solutions to resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
+ Demonstrate prior experience in the improvement of legacy systems and development of new systems.
+ Lead firmware development projects, guiding less experienced staff and ensuring technical milestones are met, give technical presentations, and manage technical effort schedules.
+ May function in a leadership role for a project and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff in technical efforts involving development projects in any product area.
+ Formulate plans and coordinate solutions development and deployment including documentation, reporting, publishing, and making technical and other presentations to ensure viability of the solutions in an evolving environment.
+ Communicate with colleagues and management throughout solution development and deployment cycles.
+ Act as the primary technical contact for firmware-related aspects of optical stabilization projects.
+ May represent the organization as a prime technical contact on projects.
+ Perform 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.

48999
**Job Qualifications:**

+ Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; twelve (12) or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, ten (10) or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or seven (7) or more years with a PhD.

May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
+ Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.
+ Required experience designing and implementing real-time control algorithms on FPGAs for optical systems including FSMs, DMs, and linear stages.
+ Required experience performing simulation, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of FPGA-based control systems.
+ Develop HDL (VHDL or Verilog) and embedded C/C++ firmware using tools such as Xilinx Vivado and Vitis.
+ Perform simulation, validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of FPGA-based control systems.
+ Integrate control systems with sensors, actuators, and optical components.
+ Optimize signal processing pipelines for low-latency, high-precision performance.
+ Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving project environment.
+ Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals.
+ Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact.
+ Customer-focused and able to formulate plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving complex technical engineering problems.
+ Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
+ Must be able to prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews.
+ Some travel and extended work schedules may be required.
+ The submission of a cover letter with resume is desired.

**Salary:** $116,480 - $208,505 **Travel Percentage Required** 0 - 25 **Relocation Assistance Provided** Provided **US Citizenship Required?** Yes **Clearance Required?** Desired **Clearance Level** Senior (8+ years) **Workstyle** Onsite
General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

EEO is the law.

We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws.

To learn more visit https://tbcdn.talentbrew.com/company/499/v2_0/EEO Notices.pdf.

U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions.

Required Skill Profession

Other General