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

Arbeitsagentur; München; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days leave

Flexible hours

Mobility offers

On-site doctor

Canteen

Job summary

Airbus Defence and Space in Ottobrunn near Munich seeks an Optical Architect (d/f/m) to define and lead optical subsystem architecture for space instruments. You will verify designs, manage budgets, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams across mechanical, thermal, electrical and testing groups.

The role requires a Master’s/PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering, hands-on space optical experience, and proficiency in Code V/Zemax/FRED as well as MATLAB/Python. English is required; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• Master's/PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering required.
• Multi-year experience in optical instrumentation or sensors for space.
• Experience with optical layout, tolerances, STOP analyses and budgets.
• Proficiency with Code V, Zemax, FRED and Matlab/Python.
• Knowledge of optical components and alignment/testing for space.
• Strong communication and supplier management skills.
• English working proficiency; German is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop optical subsystem architecture and verification strategies for space instruments.
• Serve as the main technical contact for optical domain matters across teams.
• Perform optical design, stray light analysis, layout, tolerances and budgets.
• Coordinate optical engineering and AIT activities across disciplines.
• Derive and maintain optical subsystem requirements aligned with specs.
• Oversee procurement data packages and test plans with suppliers.

Skills

Optical instrumentation

Space applications

Optical design software

MATLAB

Python

Communication

Supplier management

Education

Master's/PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering

Tools

Code V

Zemax

FRED

MATLAB

Job description

About us

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

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)

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

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.