Optical Systems Engineer

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL); Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SSTL seeks an Optical Systems Engineer to lead development and delivery of next-generation spacecraft optical payloads at our Guildford facility. You will drive multi-disciplinary design, plan metrology campaigns, and oversee environmental testing to ensure performance and acceptance.

The role requires hands-on experience with optical characterization, system-level verification, and close collaboration with project managers and customers to balance performance against schedule and budget.

Qualifications

• BSc in Optics, Physics, or related engineering.
• Experience in optical systems for space/defence or high-performance imaging.
• Ability to work autonomously or within project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of spacecraft optical payloads.
• Plan, execute, and interpret optical metrology programs.
• Oversee environmental test campaigns and verify performance.
• Engage with customers at project reviews and maintain technical documentation.

Skills

Optical engineering

Requirements ownership

Documentation (V&V)

Education

BSc in Optics/Physics/Engineering

Tools

OpticStudio (Zemax)

FRED

Python scripting

Job description

Optical Systems Engineer, Job Ref: 2146SN

Key Purpose of Job

The Optical Team seeks a dynamic, organised and proactive engineer with high standards and technical capabilities to lead the development and delivery of the next generation of SSTL’s spacecraft Optical Payloads.

Key Tasks

• Development of space-borne optical systems within a multidisciplinary team performing optical instrument system design, being the technical point of contact for the relevant optical system(s)
• Design and development of optical systems from concept through to manufacture, system integration and verification
• Plan, execute, and interpret optical metrology programmes using interferometry, autocollimators, MTF bench setups, and wavefront measurement tools, for incoming inspection, build verification, and system-level acceptance testing.
• Lead or support environmental test campaigns for optical payloads, developing test plans, overseeing execution, interpreting results against performance requirements, and formally documenting outcomes.
• Participate hands‑on in the integration, alignment, and assembly of optical payloads, applying precision alignment techniques to the standard required for flight hardware.
• Develop and maintain verification and validation plans, risk registers, and development schedules
• Manage the delivery of complete optical system work packages, including ownership of technical documentation to the standard required for formal reviews, IP traceability, and customer acceptance: requirements matrices, design analysis records, test reports, and build books.
• Reviewing and balancing optical system performance against programmatic and budget constraints, working collaboratively with project managers and technical leads to maintain delivery.
• Engage directly with customers at project reviews, presenting a holistic view of the optical payload technical status, risk, and performance.
• Provide technical support and oversight of optical system architecture, performance analysis, subsystem and component specification, supplier activities, and optical alignment and testing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Required:

Previous Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of Optical Engineering, applied to space, defence or high-performance imaging applications, coupled with a working knowledge of other engineering disciplines e.g. electronics, opto-mechanics, image processing and electro-optical device physics
• 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

Ideal:

• Hands-on experience with optical characterisation and testing activities including alignment, metrology and system-level acceptance
• End-to-end involvement in optical development from early concepts and trade-offs through integration, test and acceptance

Required:

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

• BSc in Optics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or relevant BEng degree with proven related practical experience in aerospace optical and/or spacecraft systems.
• Proven experience in optical systems engineering applied to space, defence, or high-performance imaging programmes—…
• Self-motivated, creative, high attention to detail and accountable
• Ability to work autonomously or within project team(s) and a real company player
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure in an organised and responsive manner
• Creative problem solving
• Good MS Office Skills

Ideal:

• Optical design and analysis experience with proficiency in OpticStudio (Zemax); experience with FRED would be an additional advantage.
• Knowledge of opto-mechanical design principles: kinematic mounting strategies, thermal and vibration sensitivity of optical assemblies, and precision alignment approaches.
• Ability to write and understand simple python scripts.
• Knowledge of Quality Management systems.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, drive & delivery, self-manage effectively, and communicate effectively.

Location

Guildford, Surrey