OPTICAL SPACE INSTRUMENT ARCHITECT VACANCY

Satlantis; France; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Satlantis France is seeking an Optical Space Instrument Architect to define, structure, and lead the architecture of optical space instruments. You will shape performance, coherence, and long‑term alignment across systems and missions.

You will drive the technological roadmap for optical payloads, oversee system and instrument design, and ensure coherence with satellite interfaces and in‑orbit performance, guiding complex projects with a strong technical leadership mindset.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in optical instrumentation and space systems.
• Proven experience in space or optical system development.
• System‑level thinking and performance‑driven mindset.
• Ability to define and execute a technological vision.
• Experience working in complex environments.
• Technical leadership and mentoring mindset.
• Strong communication skills in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the technological roadmap for optical payloads and associated systems.
• Lead system and instrument architecture, including optical design, performance budgets, and technical trade‑offs.
• Ensure coherence between instrument design, satellite interfaces, and in‑orbit performance.

Skills

Optical instrumentation

Space systems

System architecture

Technical leadership

Bilingual English-French

Job description

At SATLANTIS France, we develop cutting-edge Earth Observation technologies, specializing in high-resolution optical payloads for small satellites across civil and defense markets.

As an Optical Space Instrument Architect, you will play a key role in shaping the technological vision of the company, leading the design and evolution of advanced optical instruments that will define the next generation of satellite imaging systems.

What’s in it for you

• A key role at the core of technological strategy: You will directly influence the direction of optical payload development and long-term innovation.
• End-to-end impact on space systems: From early architecture to in-orbit performance, your decisions will shape real satellite missions.
• High level of technical ownership and autonomy: You will drive architectural choices, trade-offs, and system-level decisions with real decision-making authority.
• Opportunity to evolve toward technical leadership (CTO path): This role offers a natural progression into broader transversal leadership across the organization.
• Deeptech environment with real complexity: You will work on challenging problems combining optics, systems engineering, and industrial constraints.
• Collaboration with a highly skilled international team: You will work alongside experts across disciplines in a demanding and inspiring environment.
• Strong growth context: Join a company scaling its industrial maturity and expanding its impact in Europe.
• Quality of life in the French Basque coast: Based in Bidart, you will combine cutting-edge space engineering with an exceptional living environment.

Your mission

Your mission will be to define, structure, and lead the architecture of optical space instruments, ensuring performance, coherence, and long‑term technological alignment.

By combining deep technical expertise with strategic vision, you will enable the development of robust, high‑performance payloads aligned with both industrial and mission needs.

You will:

• You will define and drive the technological roadmap for optical payloads and associated systems.
• You will lead system and instrument architecture, including optical design, performance budgets, and technical trade‑offs.
• You will ensure coherence between instrument design, satellite interfaces, and in‑orbit performance.

What will set you up for success

• Strong expertise in optical instrumentation and space systems: Your experience in optics, system architecture, and satellite engineering will allow you to lead complex instrument developments with confidence.
• Proven experience in space or optical system development: Your background in designing and delivering space systems will help you navigate technical and industrial challenges.
• System‑level thinking and performance‑driven mindset: Your ability to manage budgets, calibration, integration, and qualification will ensure robust and reliable designs.
• Ability to define and execute a technological vision: You will align engineering decisions with long‑term strategy and business objectives.
• Experience working in complex environments: Your ability to operate across multiple projects, partners, and constraints (cost, schedule, quality) will be key to success.
• Technical leadership and mentoring mindset: You will support and structure engineering teams, elevating technical rigor and best practices.
• Strong communication skills in English and French: You will collaborate with international, institutional, and industrial stakeholders.

What will make you stand out

• Experience with Earth Observation systems or image processing chains: This will help you bring an end‑to‑end vision of payload performance and data exploitation.
• Knowledge of institutional and defense programs: Familiarity with ESA, CNES, DGA, or similar frameworks will strengthen your impact in bidding and partnerships.
• Experience in proposal preparation and consortium building: Your ability to structure technical proposals will contribute to winning strategic projects.
• Additional expertise in electronics, detectors, or instrument mechanics: This will reinforce your understanding of full instrument architecture and interfaces.
• Experience representing organizations in technical forums: Engaging with partners and stakeholders will amplify your influence and leadership.

Ready to shape the future of satellite imaging?

If you are driven by technical excellence, system‑level thinking, and the ambition to lead complex space developments, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.