Engineer III

Job Title

Engineer III

Role Summary

FPGA-focused engineer supporting the CSS team within the Electromagnetic Systems group. Work includes digital and FPGA hardware/firmware development, schematic and board-level testing, firmware and test software development, and system integration and verification for spacecraft and associated flight-payload and ground electronics supporting Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers.

Experience Level

Mid-level (3–7 years). The role expects several years of hands-on engineering experience in digital/FPGA hardware and embedded systems.

Responsibilities

The position involves hands-on hardware and firmware design, integration, test, and technical leadership for avionics and payload electronics.

• Define derived requirements and implement avionics hardware designs.
• Develop digital and FPGA hardware/firmware, including schematic capture and board functional test.
• Implement associated firmware and test software; use lab tools and logic analyzers for debugging.
• Perform system integration, verification, and validation for spacecraft and payload electronics.
• Plan and document solutions, ensure compliance with reporting and safety standards, and maintain engineering documentation.
• Coordinate with internal teams, customers, and external stakeholders; serve as a technical contact on projects.
• Provide technical leadership or mentorship to less-experienced engineers as needed.
• Participate in business development and capture activities when applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow applicable laws, regulations, and safety procedures.
• Work schedule: 9x80 with every other Friday off; willing to work extended hours and travel as required.

Requirements

Required and preferred technical skills, security, and work-style expectations.

• Must-have: Proven FPGA development experience.
• Must-have: Comfortable working with custom and standard serial protocols.
• Must-have: Proficiency with schematics and laboratory testing of electronics and embedded systems (logic analyzers, lab tools).
• Must-have: Able to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance.
• Must-have: Experience designing, developing, and debugging small sensing, digital-data, and electro-mechanical control circuitry.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Actel toolchains.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with soft-core processors and integrating FPGAs with custom protocols and standard serial interfaces.
• Nice-to-have: Experience interfacing with focal plane arrays or spacecraft hardware.
• Nice-to-have: Proficiency in C and experience with Linux and embedded software development.
• Customer-focused, able to work independently or in a team, and provide technical leadership when required.

Education Requirements

Typically requires a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline. Typical experience expectations: four or more years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or two or more years with a Master's degree. Equivalent engineering experience may be substituted in lieu of formal education.

About the Company

Company: General Atomics

Headquarters: San Diego, CA, United States

General Atomics is a diversified high-technology company that develops advanced systems for defense and industry, including remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, electromagnetic systems, nuclear fuel cycle technologies, and directed-energy and laser systems for government and commercial customers.