Lead Optical Instrument Engineer
Our Client
A leading international company specialized in advanced aerospace and defense solutions, with decades of experience in designing and delivering high-reliability systems for space communications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, and planetary exploration. Its multidisciplinary teams work at the intersection of optical engineering, electronics, and systems integration, developing cutting-edge satellite instruments and infrastructures that support both governmental and commercial missions worldwide.
Mission
The Optical Instrument Engineer will take ownership of the definition, design, and performance assurance of space-borne optical instruments. This role is pivotal in ensuring technical coherence, compliance with demanding specifications, and delivery of reliable instruments for complex space missions. By coordinating cross-disciplinary activities and engaging directly with customers and subcontractors, the engineer will play a key role in shaping innovative solutions that advance the frontiers of space applications.
Responsibilities
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Optical Design & Development
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Define and develop optical architectures for space instruments.
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Perform optical analyses, simulations, trade-offs, and prototyping to validate concepts.
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Ensure compliance with performance budgets and interface requirements.
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Integration, Verification & Validation
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Prepare test plans and procedures for instrument-level testing.
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Conduct integration, verification, and validation campaigns.
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Demonstrate performance compliance and present results to customers.
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System Coordination
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Ensure technical integration across specialties (mechanical, electrical, thermal, AIT).
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Coordinate activities of internal teams and subcontractors.
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Drive early de-risking actions and define robust development roadmaps.
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Customer & Stakeholder Interaction
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Translate mission needs into specifications and system architectures.
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Present and defend design solutions to clients and partners.
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Required Qualifications
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Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics (Optics), or a closely related field.
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Minimum 5 years of experience in the design and development of space optical instruments.
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Proven expertise in optical design and analysis tools.
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Solid knowledge of optical materials and processes in space environments (UV to Thermal IR).
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Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams in complex projects.
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Fluency in English and Spanish.
Preferred Experience
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PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics (Optics), or equivalent specialization.
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Knowledge of French language.
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Experience in system-level technical coordination of subcontractors.
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Familiarity with space project lifecycle, from early feasibility studies to in-orbit validation.