Engineer IV

Job Summary

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.

Whether developing mission-specific spacecraft or enabling large-scale satellite constellations, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is re-defining how customers can access and operate in space. GA-EMS offers scalable satellite platforms and cutting-edge space solutions backed by a history of operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements.
General Atomics is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Satellite EGSE Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of Electrical Ground Support Equipment for satellite test and verification campaigns.

The Satellite EGSE Engineer will report to the Space Electrical Design Team Manager and work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure successful integration and operation of complex satellite systems throughout the assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) lifecycle.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, and implement Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) to support satellite system testing, including Power, TM/TC, RF, and custom test interface hardware.
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups, electrical test racks, cabling, and interface panels for spacecraft and subsystem-level testing.
• Define EGSE requirements in coordination with spacecraft electrical and system engineers to ensure compatibility with satellite interfaces and mission needs.
• Support the development and validation of test scripts, procedures, and test automation tools for functional, environmental, and acceptance testing.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate and verify test equipment software with hardware platforms.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation, including test configurations, interface control documents (ICDs), and equipment validation reports.
• Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews (TRRs), and formal sell-off campaigns with internal stakeholders and customers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve test equipment anomalies and spacecraft interface issues during I&T operations.
• Evaluate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) test equipment and integrate where applicable to enhance EGSE capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians involved in EGSE assembly and operations.
• Ensure EGSE compliance with EMC/ESD, safety, and cleanroom standards relevant to space hardware testing.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• 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; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

Required Experience:

• Hands-on experience designing and integrating EGSE or spacecraft test equipment.
• Strong background in electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, DMMs, signal generators).
• Familiarity with satellite bus interfaces (1553, CAN, SpaceWire, RS-422/485, LVDS, discrete I/O).
• Experience with scripting languages and test automation frameworks.

Desired Skills (ranked high to low):

• Experience with test automation platforms.
• Knowledge of satellite systems engineering and AI&T processes.
• Use of electrical CAD tools such as Altium Designer for EGSE board or cable design.
• Understanding of environmental test systems and spacecraft ground handling equipment.
• Experience working in cleanroom and controlled lab environments.
• Familiarity with configuration management and version control tools (Atlassian Suite, Git).
• Experience with test data management systems and databases.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and system-level issues during test campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with multidisciplinary teams, customers, and test facility personnel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative test team under tight schedules and in high-stakes environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance required.
• Active and current TS/SCI clearance desired.