LiDAR Systems Engineer – Space (Berlin)
Our client, a fast-growing space technology startup, is seeking a LiDAR Systems Engineer with strong experience in airborne or spaceborne mapping LiDAR systems to join their Berlin-based team.
In this role, you will lead the end-to-end design, modelling, and testing of an advanced spaceborne LiDAR payload being developed for a lunar mapping mission. You will take ownership of the LiDAR system from concept through to flight, overseeing system modelling and simulation, hardware integration, calibration, and performance verification.
While key subsystems – including the laser, optical assemblies, and detector – are provided by specialist partners, you will define the overall LiDAR system architecture and ensure all elements function together to deliver high-quality ranging and topographic data. This role bridges hardware and data, combining deep LiDAR systems knowledge with practical integration and calibration expertise.
You will work closely with optical, laser, and software teams to deliver a flight-ready instrument capable of operating reliably in lunar orbit. Candidates with space and systems engineering experience are strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end LiDAR system development, from design and modelling through integration, calibration, and testing
- Develop and maintain LiDAR performance simulations and predictive models (e.g., MATLAB, DIRSIG)
- Define and manage LiDAR system requirements and verification methods
- Establish and maintain the LiDAR link budget
- Collaborate with suppliers for laser, optical, and detector subsystems
- Integrate and test a Geiger-mode Avalanche Photon Detector (GmAPD) camera within the LiDAR receive chain
- Develop and execute system calibration procedures for timing, pointing, and radiometric accuracy
- Support the design and validation of timing electronics and photon-level signal processing chains
- Implement and optimise data compaction and compression approaches to manage downlink volume
- Design and build LiDAR test systems to simulate photon returns under lunar-orbit scanning conditions
- Participate in AIT campaigns for breadboards, engineering models, and flight models
- Analyse ground test and flight data to verify performance and support early data processing
- Develop methods for assigning interpolated timestamps and spacecraft attitude data to measurements
- Contribute to design documentation and project reviews
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field
- 7+ years’ experience with a BSc, or 5+ years with MSc/PhD, in LiDAR system design, testing, or modelling
- Proven experience with airborne or spaceborne mapping LiDAR systems
- Strong understanding of LiDAR ranging principles, system architecture, and performance drivers
- Hands-on experience with LiDAR calibration, timing electronics, and detector characterisation
- Proficiency in MATLAB for system modelling, simulation, and data analysis
- Familiarity with DIRSIG or similar optical/remote sensing simulation tools
- Experience with GmAPD (Geiger-mode) or other single-photon detectors
- Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills in English
Preferred
- Experience developing or integrating space-qualified or airborne LiDAR payloads
- Systems engineering background
- Knowledge of data compression and signal processing for LiDAR systems
- Familiarity with optical, mechanical, and thermal integration of active sensing instruments
- Experience with payload AIT, performance testing, and system-level calibration
- Knowledge of space system standards (e.g., ECSS) and mission lifecycle processes
Additional Requirements
- Fluency in English
- Ability and willingness to relocate to Berlin (EU residency advantageous)
- Full-time position (40 hours per week)
If you are interested, please apply today.
angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com
