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

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

Previous Experience

Required:

• 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

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

Required:

• 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—with demonstrable ownership of systems-level responsibilities: requirements, interfaces, verification, and risk.
• 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