Optical Systems Engineer

Key Purpose of Job

The Optical Team seeks a dynamic, organised and proactive engineer with high standards and technical capabilities to lead the development and delivery of the next generation of SSTL’s spacecraft Optical Payloads.

Key Tasks

· Development of space-borne optical systems within a multidisciplinary team performing optical instrument system design, being the technical point of contact for the relevant optical system(s)

· Design and development of optical systems from concept through to manufacture, system integration and verification

· Plan, execute, and interpret optical metrology programmes using interferometry, autocollimators, MTF bench setups, and wavefront measurement tools, for incoming inspection, build verification, and system-level acceptance testing.

· Lead or support environmental test campaigns for optical payloads, developing test plans, overseeing execution, interpreting results against performance requirements, and formally documenting outcomes.

· Participate hands-on in the integration, alignment, and assembly of optical payloads, applying precision alignment techniques to the standard required for flight hardware.

· Develop and maintain verification and validation plans, risk registers, and development schedules

· Manage the delivery of complete optical system work packages, including ownership of technical documentation to the standard required for formal reviews, IP traceability, and customer acceptance: requirements matrices, design analysis records, test reports, and build books.

· Reviewing and balancing optical system performance against programmatic and budget constraints, working collaboratively with project managers and technical leads to maintain delivery.

· Engage directly with customers at project reviews, presenting a holistic view of the optical payload technical status, risk, and performance.

· Provide technical support and oversight of optical system architecture, performance analysis, subsystem and component specification, supplier activities, and optical alignment and testing.

Required

· Comprehensive knowledge of Optical Engineering, applied to space, defence or high-performance imaging applications, coupled with a working knowledge of other engineering disciplines e.g. electronics, opto-mechanics, image processing and electro-optical device physics

· Proven ownership of optical system requirements, interfaces, and verification across a multidisciplinary programme

· Experience producing technical documentation: requirements matrices, V&V plans and test reports

Ideal

· Hands-on experience with optical characterisation and testing activities including alignment, metrology and system-level acceptance

· End-to-end involvement in optical development from early concepts and trade-offs through integration, test and acceptance

Required

· BSc in Optics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or relevant BEng degree with proven related practical experience in aerospace optical and/or spacecraft systems.

· Proven experience in optical systems engineering applied to space, defence, or high-performance imaging programmes - with demonstrable ownership of systems-level responsibilities: requirements, interfaces, verification, and risk.

· Self-motivated, creative, high attention to detail and accountable

· Ability to work autonomously or within project team(s) and a real company player

· Good communication skills

· Ability to work under pressure in an organised and responsive manner

· Creative problem solving

· Good MS Office Skills

Ideal

· Optical design and analysis experience with proficiency in OpticStudio (Zemax); experience with FRED would be an additional advantage.

· Knowledge of opto-mechanical design principles: kinematic mounting strategies, thermal and vibration sensitivity of optical assemblies, and precision alignment approaches.

· Ability to write and understand simple python scripts.

· Knowledge of Quality Management systems.

· Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.

· Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, drive & delivery, self-manage effectively, and communicate effectively.

Location

Guildford, Surrey