Senior Optical Designer (Payloads)

Job Title: Senior Optical Designer
Location: Europe, Fully Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Experience Level: Senior

Our client is a leader in advanced space technologies, committed to pushing the boundaries of Earth observation and remote sensing.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Optical Designer to join their team on a Full-Time, Permanent basis. In this role, you will be at the forefront of developing satellite payloads. You will play a critical role in designing, simulating, and optimizing optical systems that deliver exceptional performance for space missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize optical systems, including lenses, mirrors, and imaging components, for cameras and payloads.
• Design imaging systems with high resolution and precision, accounting for environmental constraints (space conditions).
• Utilize advanced tools (e.g., Zemax) for ray tracing, optical simulation, and system performance prediction.
• Analyse optical aberrations and optimize system performance for Earth observation applications.
• Perform detailed trade-off analyses to ensure system performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Perform optical simulations and analyses, including ray tracing, tolerancing, and stray light analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electronics, software) to integrate optical designs into payload systems.
• Select and evaluate optical materials and components to ensure compliance with environmental and space requirements.
• Support the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of optical systems, ensuring alignment and performance meet mission specifications.
• Stay updated on advancements in optical design, materials, and manufacturing techniques to drive innovation.
• Document designs, test results, and project progress in compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential:

• Master’s, or Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in designing optical systems for high-performance imaging applications (space or terrestrial).
• Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of optical fabrication, alignment, and metrology techniques.
• Knowledge of space environments and their impact on optical components (e.g., radiation, thermal stresses).
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Earth observation systems or remote sensing payloads.
• Familiarity with mechanical and thermal design constraints in space environments.
• Knowledge of stray light analysis tools (e.g., TracePro, FRED).

What’s on offer?

• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking space missions with global impact.
• Collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art tools, facilities, and technologies.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package (depending on Country of residence)

If this is of interest, please get in touch and apply today!
Angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com