Electro-optical Engineer
Our client is a technology-oriented company developing advanced space systems and high-performance engineering solutions for complex orbital applications. The organization operates across the full project lifecycle, from system definition and technical development through integration, validation, qualification, and delivery, within highly demanding and tightly controlled engineering environments.
Its activities rely on close collaboration between multidisciplinary engineering teams, specialized suppliers, manufacturing and integration functions, and demanding institutional and commercial customers. The company combines deep technical expertise with rigorous space engineering practices, offering professionals the opportunity to contribute to advanced electro-optical payloads and image acquisition technologies for space applications.
Mission
The Electro-Optical Payload Systems Engineer will be responsible for the definition, development, integration, and validation of the image acquisition chain for space-based optical instruments using advanced image sensors. The role will cover system architecture and requirements, detector and readout electronics definition, FPGA-related interfaces, supplier technical follow-up, laboratory characterization, and support throughout integration and verification activities.
Responsibilities
System Architecture and Requirements
Define the architecture of the video and image acquisition chain for space-based optical instruments.
Derive and specify requirements for image acquisition chain components based on system-level needs.
Specify readout electronics hardware and FPGA firmware requirements for detector control, timing, sequencing, and video chain interfacing.
Define interfaces between the acquisition chain and onboard data handling systems.
Procurement and Technical Follow-Up
Provide technical support during the procurement of image sensors, detectors, and associated electronics.
Manage technical follow-up with specialized suppliers and verify compliance with defined requirements and specifications.
Coordinate technical issues and interfaces affecting detector and acquisition-chain performance.
Laboratory Activities and Validation
Support integration and bring-up of the video acquisition subsystem in laboratory environments.
Lead characterization activities for image sensors and acquisition-chain performance.
Define and specify optical and electrical ground support equipment required for sensor testing.
Develop detailed characterization test plans, measurement protocols, and test-bench requirements.
Execute test campaigns, including activities performed in controlled cleanroom environments.
Implement structured image-processing and measurement data pipelines for performance analysis.
Generate comprehensive test and characterization reports documenting results and compliance.
Integration and Technical Support
Support the integration of optical sensors into focal planes and their interfaces with front-end electronics.
Provide technical assistance to manufacturing, integration, and test teams for sensor handling, operation, and troubleshooting.
Contribute to verification activities across the electro-optical acquisition chain.
Documentation and Reviews
Prepare technical documentation for internal and external project reviews.
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, verification activities, and technical decision-making.
Ensure technical information, test evidence, and engineering decisions are documented with the rigor required for space programs.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Engineering, ideally Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline with a focus on electro-optical systems.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in electronics design, integration, and validation.
Demonstrable experience with FPGA development, including firmware, timing and sequencing, and high-speed interfaces.
Experience defining characterization test plans and designing test benches.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to produce clear and rigorous technical documentation.
Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Professional proficiency in English and Spanish.
Preferred Experience
Expertise in image sensors and associated readout electronics, including visible or infrared CMOS, CCD, or microbolometer technologies.
Practical experience with electro-optical instrumentation for laboratory or spacecraft-oriented development, including sensor control, biasing, synchronization, and acquisition.
Strong understanding of low-noise analog and high-speed digital electronics.
Familiarity with optical focal-plane concepts and performance metrics, including radiometry and modulation transfer function, and their translation into detector and readout requirements.
Experience developing test and measurement data pipelines for sensor characterization using Python and/or MATLAB.
Experience with space qualification processes and environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum and vibration testing.
Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and the handling of sensitive optical components.
Familiarity with ECSS standards and the space project lifecycle.
Knowledge of EMVA Standard 1288 for image sensor characterization.
Understanding of radiation effects on detectors and associated mitigation strategies.
French language skills are considered an advantage.
Proactive, autonomous, service-oriented working style with a strong commitment to project deliverables.