Optical Engineer – Space Imager, Payload

Senior Optical Engineer – Space (Berlin)

Our client, a growing space technology startup, is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the optical development of an advanced spaceborne LiDAR payload at their Berlin office.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team in Europe and the US to bring a next-generation space LiDAR system from concept to flight, leveraging heritage Earth-observation designs and adapting them for beyond-LEO and deep-space environments. The role spans the full lifecycle of the optical payload, from detailed design and supplier management to integration, alignment, testing, and flight implementation.

This is a hands-on position requiring expertise in optical engineering, optomechanical integration, alignment, calibration, and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering teams. Candidates with prior spaceborne or LiDAR optical experience will be strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the optical payload through detailed design, fabrication, integration, and testing
• Manage optical subsystem suppliers to ensure performance, environmental, and interface requirements are met
• Collaborate with laser providers on optical interfaces, performance budgets, and integration constraints
• Define and execute optical alignment and calibration plans
• Work with optomechanical engineers to ensure robust mounting, thermal stability, and vibration tolerance
• Maintain optical interface documentation (ICDs, specifications, verification plans)
• Support payload-level integration, environmental testing, and performance validation
• Apply design-for-manufacture and design-for-test principles across optical subsystems
• Contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, FRR) and RFP inputs
• Support on-orbit commissioning and anomaly resolution as required

Qualifications

• BSc in Optical Engineering with 7+ years experience (or MSc/PhD with 5+)
• Proven experience taking optical or optomechanical subsystems from design through integration and test
• Strong fundamentals in imaging systems, laser interfaces, alignment, and calibration
• Experience managing external optical suppliers or design partners
• Skilled with optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V) and CAD integration workflows
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, test setups, and environmental testing
• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills in English

Preferred:

• Experience with spaceborne optical systems
• Knowledge of LiDAR systems, laser transmitters, and optical receivers
• Experience in optomechanical integration, thermal and structural considerations
• Familiarity with contamination control and cleanroom practices
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python) for optical performance
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills

If you are interested, please get in touch and apply today!
angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com