Senior Optical Systems Engineer

We are looking for a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical payloads and instruments for space missions. You will take full technical ownership of projects throughout their entire lifecycle - working with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.

• Location: Warsaw or Kraków, Poland (hybrid work with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office)

What you will do:

• Lead System Engineering: Manage optical systems from early concept, architecture, and requirements to integration, testing, and operations.

• Serve as Technical Authority: Oversee design, manufacturing, and testing of optical payloads; manage key technical budgets (e.g., optical performance, SNR, MTF, pointing stability).

• Manage Suppliers: Set specifications (Statements of Work), review documentation, and oversee subcontractors and partners.

• Drive Execution & Mitigate Risks: Solve technical challenges, lead review milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR), and resolve anomalies.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with mechanical, electronics, software, and operations engineers to ensure seamless integration.

• Support Business Development: Help prepare technical proposals, bid responses, and present solutions to customers.

• Mentor & Improve: Guide junior team members, promote best practices, and improve internal engineering processes.

• Education: Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: At least 8 years in space optical instruments, electro-optical systems, or remote sensing payloads.

• Core Skills:

  • Strong background in optical system design and systems engineering.

  • Hands-on experience with system integration, testing, and verification.

  • Experience with requirements management, trade-off studies, and performance budgeting.

  • Proven leadership skills in multidisciplinary engineering projects.

• Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving, team collaboration, and proactive leadership mindset.

• Languages: Professional fluency in English (written and spoken).

Nice to Have

• Experience in space, aerospace, or defense industries.

• Familiarity with space standards (ECSS, ISO, NASA).

• Hands-on experience with optical modeling tools, Earth observation, or infrared imaging systems.

• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies (e.g., MBSE) and requirements management tools.

• Experience with spacecraft environmental testing, integration, or launch campaign support.

• Experience working in international project consortia or customer-facing technical roles.

• Relevant systems engineering or project management certifications.

• Type of employment: Contract of Employment (CoE) or B2B (your choice)
• Work location: Warsaw or Kraków, Poland (hybrid model: min. 2 days per week in the office)

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