Optical Systems Engineer

the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space. Our Systems Team brings together brilliant Systems, AOCS and Thermal Engineers who turn ambitious mission concepts into reality. They design, integrate, and optimise every detail – from spacecraft architecture to next-generation optical payloads – making sure every system fits, works, and thrives in orbit. We are now looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of optical payloads for Earth observation missions, owning the journey from concept through to launch and in-orbit operations. This is a role for someone who combines deep optical engineering expertise with systems thinking and programme ownership, and who enjoys turning complex ideas into flight-ready space systems. What You'll Be Doing You will take technical ownership of optical payload developments, working across engineering teams, partners, and suppliers to deliver high-performance missions at speed. Your

responsibilities will include: Owning the end-to-end development of optical payloads, from

requirements and concept definition through design, testing, launch and in-orbit commissioning. Acting as the technical authority for optical payload work packages, ensuring mission performance and delivery. Performing mission analysis and system design for optical Earth observation systems, defining

requirements, CONOPS and system budgets. Driving optical payload performance, managing image quality metrics such as MTF, SNR, resolution and detector behaviour. Leading design trade-offs to optimise performance, cost, risk and schedule across the payload and spacecraft system. Planning and supporting AIT/AIV activities, including optical alignment, calibration, characterisation and testing. Coordinating engineering across satellite subsystems and external suppliers to deliver integrated mission solutions. Supporting technical proposals, customer discussions and new mission concepts that push the boundaries of Earth observation from space. What You’ll Bring We’re looking for someone who combines technical depth with a collaborative spirit. You should have: Strong capability in optical space systems, Earth observation and remote sensing Ability to develop optical payloads from concept through to commissioning Deep understanding of image quality metrics and budgets (MTF, SNR, resolution, detectors) Knowledge of optical system manufacturing, alignment, calibration and testing Strong systems engineering capability (

requirements, CONOPS, system budgets, FMECA/FDIR) Understanding of satellite subsystems and multidisciplinary engineering environments For this role you can be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. Please submit your application in English. Why Open Cosmos? Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe. A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges. A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team. Division CTO Department SYSTEMS Role Systems Engineer Locations Harwell, UK, Athens, Greece, Barcelona, Spain, Porto, Portugal, Tenerife, Coimbra, Portugal Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time About Open Cosmos Open Cosmos is dedicated to solving customer problems with insights from space. Whether this is monitoring agricultural yields, assessing the damage of oil spills or providing navigation solutions, we believe that data from satellites is the most effective and sustainable way of achieving this. Apply for this job CTO · SYSTEMS · Multiple locations · Hybrid Optical Systems Engineer Loading application form Career site Data & privacy Manage cookies Employee login Candidate Connect login Already working at Open Cosmos? Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague. Log in Applicant tracking system by Teamtailor

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