Optical AIT Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Marseille; Hybride; EUR 45 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading European industrial group seeks an experienced Optical AIT Engineer to join their growing space division. The role involves leading AIT activities for complex optical systems, contributing to innovative satellite communications and space-based sensing technologies.

Prestations

Cutting-edge missions in space projects

Work with advanced optical technologies

Opportunities for international collaboration

Support for relocation

Positive team-driven culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in AIT, optical engineering, or R&D.
• Hands-on expertise in optical alignment and metrology.
• Familiarity with space standards (ECSS or similar).

Responsabilités

• Leading alignment and performance validation campaigns.
• Developing AIT procedures for optical systems.
• Managing test documentation and reporting.

Connaissances

Optical alignment

Metrology tools

Environmental testing

Communication skills

Proactive mindset

Formation

Degree in optics, photonics, physics, or related field

Outils

Interferometry tools

Collimators

Description du poste

Optical AIT Engineer – Space Payloads

France (Hybrid, Marseille or Paris Region) | Permanent | Full-Time

We’re currently representing a leading European industrial group known for developing complex instrumentation for mission-critical and scientific applications. With more than 1,000 employees across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, this company plays a pivotal role in delivering next-gen technologies across defense, energy, life sciences, and increasingly-space-based systems.

As part of their growing space division, they are seeking an experienced Optical AIT Engineer to join a cross-functional team developing and qualifying cutting-edge onboard payloads for Earth Observation and laser-based communications.

This is an opportunity to work on real flight hardware, with involvement across the full AIT lifecycle-from cleanroom-based integration to high-precision optical alignment and performance validation. You’ll contribute to programs that are literally shaping the future of satellite communications and space-based sensing.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll join a multidisciplinary project team and take the lead on AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test) activities for complex space optical systems, including telescopes, lasercom terminals, and custom payloads. Your day-to-day might include:

• Developing and refining AIT procedures for alignment, integration, and optical testing

• Leading alignment and performance validation campaigns (optical, functional, thermal)

• Conducting precision calibration using interferometry, collimators, or equivalent metrology tools

• Managing test documentation, NCRs, and reporting through project milestones

• Interfacing with optical designers, systems engineers, and QA teams across the lifecycle

• Supporting cleanroom best practices and maintaining high quality standards (e.g. ECSS)

What We’re Looking For

• Degree-qualified in optics, photonics, physics, or a related engineering field

• 5+ years of experience in AIT, optical engineering, or R&D for high-precision systems (space preferred)

• Hands-on expertise with optical alignment, metrology tools, and environmental test setups

• Familiarity with space standards and quality systems (ECSS or similar)

• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken (English required; French helpful)

• A proactive mindset and willingness to work hands-on in cleanroom environments

Why Join?

• Cutting-Edge Missions – Contribute to real spaceflight programs, including laser communication and Earth observation payloads

• Advanced Technologies – Work with free-space optics, adaptive optics, and quantum-adjacent tech (e.g. WDM, AO)

• Growth Trajectory – Join one of the fastest-growing units in a diversified industrial group

• International Collaboration – Work across borders with partners and colleagues throughout Europe and beyond

• Stability & Innovation – Be part of a well-established group with strong financial backing and long-term vision

• Positive Culture – Open, collaborative, and team-driven, with real focus on impact, quality, and shared success

The Practical Details

• Location: Paris region or South of France (preffered)

• Travel: Moderate, to project and partner sites across Europe

• Type: Full-time, permanent role

• Remote: Hybrid model possible depending on campaign phase

• Visa/Relocation: Support available for exceptional international candidates

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade