Lead Space Optical Systems Engineer

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.; Wood Street; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in Guildford, UK, is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to lead development and delivery of spacecraft optical payloads.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to design, verify and deliver optical systems from concept to flight hardware, including metrology, environmental testing and integration.

The role requires hands-on experience in high-performance imaging and systems engineering, with a track record in requirements, interfaces and documentation.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of Optical Engineering applied to space, defence or high-performance imaging.
• Proven ownership of optical system requirements, interfaces, and verification across a multidisciplinary programme.
• Experience producing technical documentation: requirements matrices, V&V plans and test reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical system design and verification from concept to flight hardware.
• Plan, execute and interpret optical metrology programmes (interferometry, autocollimators, MTF bench, wavefront tools).
• Lead or support environmental test campaigns for optical payloads and document outcomes.
• Oversee integration, alignment and assembly of optical payloads to flight-grade standards.
• Develop and maintain verification plans, risk registers and development schedules.
• Manage delivery of complete optical system work packages with IP traceability and customer acceptance.
• Engage with customers at reviews, presenting status, risk and performance.

Skills

Optical engineering

Space optics

Image processing

EO physics

Education

BSc in Optics/Physics/Engineering

Tools

OpticStudio (Zemax)

FRED

Python scripts

MS Office

Job description

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in Guildford, UK, is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to lead development and delivery of spacecraft optical payloads.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to design, verify and deliver optical systems from concept to flight hardware, including metrology, environmental testing and integration.

The role requires hands-on experience in high-performance imaging and systems engineering, with a track record in requirements, interfaces and documentation.