Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
Optical Systems Engineer
Guildford
Posted 2 days ago
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Optical Systems Engineer, Job Ref: 2146SN
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.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Previous Experience
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
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Qualifications Knowledge & Skills
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
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Skills
Optical systems engineering
Spacecraft payloads
Optical metrology
Interferometry
Autocollimators
MTF bench setups
Wavefront measurement
Environmental testing
System integration
Alignment
Requirements management
Technical documentation
Opto-mechanics
Zemax OpticStudio
Python
Quality management