Architects

Indra; Madrid; Presencial; EUR 70.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading aerospace firm in Madrid is seeking an Optical Payload Architect to provide technical leadership on next-generation Earth Observation payloads. This role is critical in ensuring payloads meet performance requirements within cost constraints. Candidates should have a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field and over 10 years of experience in optical payloads, including procurement and subcontractor management. Proficiency in modelling tools like Zemax and MATLAB is required.

Formación

• 10+ years of experience in Earth Observation (EO) optical payloads.
• Proven experience in payload procurement and subcontractor management.
• Strong knowledge of calibration and evaluation of subcontractor designs.

Responsabilidades

• Define end-to-end performance requirements of EO optical payloads.
• Lead development of payload concepts and architectures.
• Manage procurement and act as technical interface with suppliers.

Conocimientos

Optical imaging principles

System architecture

Payload performance modelling

Subcontractor management

Technical reporting

Educación

Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering

Herramientas

Zemax

Code V

MATLAB

Python

STK

Descripción del empleo

Indra Deimos is seeking a highly skilled Optical Payload Architect to join the Mission End to End team in Tres Cantos.

The Optical Payload Architect will take technical leadership in the definition and delivery of next‑generation Earth Observation (EO) payloads. This role is central to the success of our spacecraft missions, ensuring that payloads deliver the required performance while meeting cost, schedule, and risk constraints.

The successful candidate will act as the technical authority for optical payloads within the spacecraft manufacturer, defining system‑level requirements, managing subcontractors, and driving end‑to‑end payload performance.

Satellite formation flying, rendezvous, in‑orbit servicing (IOS) and active debris removal (ADR).

Payload Architecture & Specification

Define the end‑to‑end performance requirements of EO optical payloads (spatial, spectral, radiometric, temporal, geometric).

Lead the development of payload concepts and architectures (high‑resolution imaging, multispectral, hyperspectral, video, or spectrometers).

Own the payload performance budgets (SNR, GSD, MTF, radiometry, straylight, thermal stability) and ensure compliance with mission requirements.

Support mission and spacecraft‑level trade‑offs (orbit, AOCS, power, thermal, data handling, downlink) to optimise payload performance.

Subcontractor & Partner Management

Prepare technical specifications and manage the procurement of payloads from subcontractors.

Act as the main technical interface with payload suppliers, monitoring progress, design maturity, risks, and compliance.

Lead technical reviews with subcontractors (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR).

Drive end‑to‑end modelling and simulation of payload performance (image chain, pointing, jitter, radiometric budgets).

Support spacecraft‑level integration, verification, and validation activities, including payload‑level acceptance and environmental testing.

Contribute to in‑orbit commissioning and calibration strategy definition.

Mentor and guide junior engineers working on payload performance, modelling, and verification.

Provide clear technical reporting to project management, customers, and partners.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (Master’s or PhD) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• ~10+ years of experience in EO optical payloads, with significant involvement in system architecture and performance specification.
• ~ Proven experience in payload procurement and subcontractor management.
• ~ Strong knowledge of optical imaging principles, detectors, and calibration, with ability to evaluate subcontractor designs at system level.
• ~ Experience in payload performance modelling and analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python, STK).