Lead Optical Design Engineer

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of Earth observation payload development—from early-phase studies through launch and in-orbit operations.
• Define payload architecture and manage payload-level technical requirements and interfaces.
• Drive critical optical and opto-mechanical design activities, contributing hands-on where needed.
• Oversee and guide external subcontractors involved in imaging payload design and development.
• Contribute payload-level inputs to satellite system requirements, ensuring seamless integration.
• Own and maintain image quality budgets including MTF, SNR, radiometric accuracy, and GIQE.
• Collaborate with satellite platform teams to ensure payload performance is preserved in orbit, accounting for pointing, jitter, micro-vibrations, and other system-level effects.
• Plan and coordinate payload integration, verification, and testing activities at both payload and spacecraft level.
• Support launch preparations, early orbit calibration, and verification of mission performance.
• Initiate and manage de-risking activities, feasibility studies, breadboards, and technology development programs for future optical payload concepts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in payload systems engineering or a similar role, with experience in designing and integrating payload systems for space applications.

Must haves:

• Deep expertise in end-to-end optical payload design, integration, and testing for space applications.
• Strong understanding of EO/IR performance metrics and tools (e.g., MTF, SNR, NIIRS, radiometric calibration).
• Hands-on experience with optical and opto-mechanical design tools and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of satellite-level systems engineering, payload interfaces, and mission CONOPS.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills to interface with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.

Good to haves:

• Experience designing or analyzing space-qualified imaging payloads, including electronics and opto-mechanics.
• Familiarity with CCD/CMOS sensor technologies and their use in space-based imaging systems.
• Involvement in in-orbit calibration and anomaly resolution for operational satellite payloads.
• Experience developing ground-based or airborne demonstrators for optical systems.
• Certifications such as INCOSE CSEP or equivalent systems engineering qualifications are a plus.

Benefits

• Medical Health Cover for you and your family including unlimited online doctor consultations.
• We believe family comes first. That’s why we offer Maternity, Paternity, Marriage and Bereavement Leave, so you can be there when it matters most.
• We ensure every member of the team gets an opportunity to participate at international events and conferences.
• Access to mental health experts for you and your family.
• Dedicated allowances for learning and skill development.