Optical Architect (d/f/m) for Optical Instruments

Airbus; Immenstaad am Bodensee; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension schemes

Mobility offers (bike leasing)

Flexible working hours

Remote/On-site hybrid options

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH in Ottobrunn seeks an Optical Architect to design and verify optical subsystems for space-borne instruments. You will define architectures, perform STOP analyses, and coordinate AIT with mechanical, thermal, and electrical teams.

The role offers a diverse, international environment, growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension schemes, flexible hours, and mobility options. English is required; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering.
• Proven multi-year experience in optical instrumentation or optical sensors, ideally for space applications.
• Solid experience in optical layout, design, tolerance, and STOP analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop optical subsystem architecture and verification strategies for space-borne instruments across project phases B2, C, and D.
• Act as the main technical contact for optical domain matters, supporting systems engineers on design, verification, risk, cost, and schedule aspects.
• Perform optical design and analysis including stray light, layout, tolerances, and STOP budget allocations.
• Coordinate optical subsystem engineering and AIT across multidisciplinary teams (Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical, Detection-chain, Cleanliness).
• Derive and maintain optical subsystem requirements aligning with SRD/IRD and verification plans.
• Oversee subcontracted optical equipment procurement and test plans to ensure delivery.

Skills

Optical engineering

Space applications

STOP analysis

Code V

Zemax

FRED

MATLAB

Python

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering

Tools

Code V

Zemax

FRED

Job description

Job Description:

In order to support Earth Observation & Science projects within Space Systems, Airbus Defence and Space in Ottobrunn is looking for an

Optical Architect (d/f/m)

You will join a multicultural team of engineers specialized in the development of optical (sub-)systems working for Earth Observation & Science projects within Space Systems. These developments cover instruments for ESA, CNES, DLR and EU programmes across the spectral range from ultraviolet to thermal infrared. Examples include LIDARs (ATLID, MERLIN), Multi-Spectral Instruments (Sentinel-2 MSI, Sentinel-4, Sentinel-5) from the Copernicus programme, infrared instruments (LSTM, TRISHNA), meteorological instruments (IASI-NG and METimage) embarked on MetOp-SG, instruments for scientific missions like EUCLID, cameras embarked on LEO and GEO satellites, and national programmes.

This role is also available with reduced weekly hours and an adapted scope of tasks.

Your location

Our site is just a stone’s throw away from Munich, the beautiful capital of Bavaria.

Are you into sports and other outdoor activities? The Alps and Lake Starnberg are within an hour’s reach, offering a multitude of recreational options.

Our Benefits for You

• Fair Compensation & Extras: Attractive remuneration and individual additional benefits, such as company pension schemes, mobility offers (e.g., bike leasing), or corporate discounts with partner companies in accordance with our current guidelines.
• Time for You (and Your Loved Ones): 30 days of annual leave based on our collective agreement (35-hour week); work-life balance through flexible working hours (flextime), mobile working, part-time options, job sharing, and sabbatical opportunities.
• Growth Made Easy: Excellent professional development opportunities and international, group-wide career perspectives.
• Feel Good at Work: On-site company doctor; comprehensive health programs (sports courses, preventive care, etc.), canteen and cafeteria, and local childcare facilities at selected locations.
• Diversity Connects: Work in a diverse environment with more than 140 nationalities, where exchange, mutual support, and inclusion are part of our DNA.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Define and develop optical subsystem architecture and verification strategies for space-borne instruments in project phases B2, C, and D following defined processes.
• Act as the main technical contact point for optical domain matters, supporting systems engineers on technological, design, verification, risk, cost, and schedule aspects.
• Perform optical design and analysis, including stray light analysis, optical layout, tolerances, and stray light, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) budget allocations.
• Coordinate optical subsystem engineering and Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) activities across multidisciplinary teams (Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical, Detection-chain, Cleanliness).
• Derive, consolidate, and maintain optical subsystem requirements in alignment with higher-level specifications (e.g., SRD, IRD) and verification plans.
• Oversee subcontracted optical equipment procurement, reviewing data packages and test plans to ensure on-time, on-cost, and on-quality delivery.
• Contribute to future programmes (phase 0 or A/B1), support internal/external R&D proposals for new optical technologies, and participate in lessons‑learnt exchanges.

Desired skills and qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering
• Proven multi-year experience in optical instrumentation or optical sensors, ideally for space applications
• Solid experience in optical layout, design, tolerance, and STOP analysis, including maintenance of optical allocations/budgets.
• Proficiency with commercial optical design software (e.g., Code V, Zemax, FRED) and programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python).
• Sound technical knowledge of optical components (e.g., mirrors, photonics, gratings, fibers, lasers, coatings) and space equipment alignment/testing strategies.
• Strong communication skills, collaborative problem‑solving approach, and experience in managing suppliers or subcontractors.
• Professional working proficiency in English; knowledge of German is beneficial.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customized development solutions.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Employment Type:

Permanent

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

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