Scientist

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.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist to join our Inertial Fusion Technology (IFT) group. This position is located in San Diego (Torrey Pines), CA.

This position participates in the development, production support, troubleshooting, and scientific advancement of novel materials and thin-film coatings used in laser-driven fusion research. Under general supervision with limited review, the successful candidate will determine and develop effective approaches for resolving difficult, complex scientific and technical problems in areas such as vacuum processing, thin-film deposition, and experimental systems performance. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results, with work reviewed at milestones or completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on experimentalist with demonstrated experience in automating equipment and test workflows and strong capability in (or ability to rapidly advance in) PVD coatings such as sputtering, including process optimization, repeatability, and production-relevant execution.

DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the operation of scientific systems by evaluating and interpreting needs and problems and developing effective approaches to resolve complex technical issues.
• Troubleshoot, analyze, and repair systems in assigned area by utilizing standard scientific principles, and implement robust corrective actions.
• Lead improvements to equipment automation and data workflow (e.g., automated sequences, instrumentation control, data acquisition/logging, reproducible operating procedures) to increase throughput, repeatability, and quality.
• Execute and guide PVD thin-film development (e.g., sputtering) and process optimization, supporting both R&D and production-facing deliverables.
• Document findings, communicate results to scientific staff, and make technical presentations as required.
• Coordinate segments of a specific project and engage with internal organizations and customers on difficult technical issues; may represent the organization in providing solutions associated with specific projects.
• Provide direction to designers and technicians; may provide direction to less experienced professional staff and lead teams on semi-routine tasks.
• May develop and/or perform computational modeling of scientific phenomena to support interpretation, prediction, or design decisions.
• May assist in responding to proposals for new or expansion of existing business opportunities.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations; work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; four or more years experience with a Bachelors degree and two or more years experience with a Masters degree. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Complete understanding of scientific concepts, principles, codes, and theory, with broad application and expanding knowledge in related technical specialties.
• Demonstrated ability to understand new concepts quickly, apply them accurately, and determine the appropriate approach at the task level (and, with assistance, at the project level) to solve complex problems; able to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases.
• Strong automation / instrumentation experience (e.g., LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, DAQ/instrument control, automated data logging and test sequencing) is highly desired.
• Strong capability in (or clear track record ramping into) PVD thin-film processing, especially sputtering, including process development, control, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to lead less experienced professional staff on semi-routine tasks.
• Original work(s) published in professional scientific journals or formal technical equivalents are highly desirable.