Engineer II

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 a GNC Engineer to join our CSS group located in Herndon, VA.  The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and implement guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) algorithms for satellite missions.
• Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) system design, implementation, simulation and testing.
• Establish, maintain and execute satellite attitude control simulation software.
• Analyze the stability and robustness of guidance and control algorithms using control theory and Monte Carlo simulations.
• Actively participate in system level design of satellite systems across all project phases, through attitude control subsystem architectural design development.
• Ability to work closely with a small team and take direction from senior staff within GNC and Systems organizations. 
• Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. 
• Performs 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.

 

• Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and two or more years of engineering experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates technical acumen and ability to apply engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice.  Able to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate personal workload to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Experience in satellite attitude and orbit control systems.
• Experience with basic orbital mechanics and their applications.
• Experience with physics-based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis.
• Experience developing software in C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink.
• Desire to develop communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills in order to enable an effective presence amongst a small team. Over time duties would Involvement concept development, detailed design and validation, hardware testing, and mission preparation and execution.
• Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment.
• Able to work extended hours as required and adaptable to changing priorities and workloads.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance is required.