Sr. Engineer - Electro Optical

Edge Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 279,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

FADA in the United Arab Emirates is seeking an electro-optical engineer to design and develop spaceborne imaging systems for Earth observation satellites. You will define system-level requirements, support optical analysis, and collaborate with vendors to evaluate payload interfaces and performance.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in optics/physics or related engineering and 5+ years in EO payload design or optical systems for space. Proficiency with Zemax/Code V is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optics/physics or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing EO payloads or optical systems for space applications.
• Experience with Zemax/Code V or equivalent optical design software.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop spaceborne electro-optical imaging systems, including telescopes, detectors, and imaging electronics.
• Define and verify system-level requirements (resolution, SNR, MTF, dynamic range, radiometric accuracy).
• Support optical design analysis, stray light modeling, and performance simulations using Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
• Collaborate with vendors for payload system selection, interface definition, and performance evaluation.
• Contribute to payload integration and environmental testing.
• Analyze test data and correlate with design models to validate performance.
• Develop and maintain payload performance budgets (optical, radiometric, power, thermal).
• Support AIT campaigns and troubleshoot during spacecraft-level testing.
• Maintain design documentation, review and test reports, and interface control documents.

Skills

EO payload design

Optical systems development

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optics/physics or related engineering

Tools

Zemax/Code V

Job description

FADA is seeking a motivated electro-optical engineer with experience working on electro-optical payloads for Earth observation satellite systems. The role requires knowledge of design, development, integration and validation of optical units of the payload, including the imaging systems and their interfaces with thermal, structural and electronics sub-systems. You will be part of the satellite mission throughout its lifecycle, gaining exposure to multiple satellite sub-systems, industry-standard tools, methodologies and global best practices. You will work with multi-cultural, cross-functional teams to deliver high performance, reliable solutions.

Roles and responsibilities

• Participate in the design and development of spaceborne electro-optical imaging systems, including telescopes, detectors, and imaging electronics.
• Define and verify system-level requirements, including resolution, SNR, MTF, dynamic range, and radiometric accuracy.
• Support optical design analysis, stray light modeling, and performance simulation using tools like Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
• Collaborate with vendors for selection, interface definition, and performance evaluation of payload systems.
• Contribute to payload integration and environmental testing
• Analyze test data and correlate with design models to validate performance.
• Develop and maintain payload performance budgets (optical, radiometric, power, thermal).
• Support AIT campaigns and troubleshooting during spacecraft-level testing.
• Maintain design documentation, review and test reports, and interface control documents.

Qualifications – must haves

• Bachelor’s degree in optics/physics or a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in design and development of EO payloads or optical systems for space applications.
• Experience with software Zemax/Code V, or other equivalent optical design and analysis software.

Good to have – preferred skills

• Familiarity with detectors and imaging sensors (CCD/CMOS, TDI, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
• Working knowledge of electronic interfaces, data acquisition, and onboard image processing pipelines.
• Familiarity with space standards from NASA, ESA or other equivalent standards.
• Familiarity with space grade components and design to manufacture methodology.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
• Should be a team player, capable of performing in dynamic, fast-paced environment.