Lead Optical Engineer

KaleidEO; Bengaluru Urban; On-site; INR 4,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

KaleidEO, a SatSure subsidiary, invites applications for a Lead Optical Design Engineer to drive Earth observation payloads from concept through launch and in-orbit operations. You will own payload architecture, optical and opto-mechanical design, integration, verification, and analysis, coordinating with satellite teams and external subcontractors.

The role demands deep expertise in EO/IR metrics, hands-on design work, and clear communication to deliver high-performance imaging systems for

Qualifications

• End-to-end EO payload design experience required.
• Experience with MTF, SNR, radiometric calibration.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience with space hardware integration and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of EO payload development—from studies to launch and in-orbit operations.
• Define payload architecture and manage payload-level interfaces.
• Drive optical and opto-mechanical design activities hands-on.
• Oversee external subcontractors involved in imaging payload design and development.
• Plan payload integration, verification, and testing at payload and spacecraft levels.
• Support mission performance verification and de-risking activities.

Skills

Optical design

Systems engineering

Payload integration

Mission performance analysis

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Optical/Aerospace/Mechanical

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

MATLAB

Optical design tools

Job description

Work with the brightest minds, including ex-ISRO scientists and global space industry experts, at one of the select few companies in the country pioneering cutting edge EO payloads.

We’re looking for a visionary Lead Optical Design Engineer to spearhead the development of advanced Earth observation payloads—from initial concept to launch and in-orbit operations. In this pivotal role, you'll lead end-to-end payload architecture, optical design, integration, and system-level performance analysis, directly influencing the capabilities of our next-gen imaging systems. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership opportunity for engineers who excel at the convergence of optical innovation, systems engineering, and mission delivery.

About KaleidEO

KaleidEO, a subsidiary of SatSure, is an upstream leader in Earth Observation, building a full-stack company from India.

As an analytics-first payload innovator, we focus on building next-gen payloads tailored for industry-specific applications.

Our high-resolution, optical, multispectral payloads, equipped with edge computing and wide coverage capabilities, maximize the value generated from every pixel of satellite imagery.

Rooted in SatSure’s legacy of delivering last-mile applications across sectors like Utilities, Aviation, Agriculture, BFSI and Climate Action, KaleidEO offers modular solutions for the entire EO value chain spanning payload development, launch, mission operations, and data analytics

At KaleidEO, we are committed to shaping the future of Earth Observation and putting Indian space tech on a global map, and we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of Earth observation payload development—from early-phase studies through launch and in-orbit operations.
• Define payload architecture and manage payload-level technical requirements and interfaces.
• Drive critical optical and opto-mechanical design activities, contributing hands-on where needed.
• Oversee and guide external subcontractors involved in imaging payload design and development.
• Contribute payload-level inputs to satellite system requirements, ensuring seamless integration.
• Own and maintain image quality budgets including MTF, SNR, radiometric accuracy, and GIQE.
• Collaborate with satellite platform teams to ensure payload performance is preserved in orbit, accounting for pointing, jitter, micro-vibrations, and other system-level effects.
• Plan and coordinate payload integration, verification, and testing activities at both payload and spacecraft level.
• Support launch preparations, early orbit calibration, and verification of mission performance.
• Initiate and manage de-risking activities, feasibility studies, breadboards, and technology development programs for future optical payload concepts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in payload systems engineering or a similar role, with experience in designing and integrating payload systems for space applications.

Must haves:

• Deep expertise in end-to-end optical payload design, integration, and testing for space applications.
• Strong understanding of EO/IR performance metrics and tools (e.g., MTF, SNR, NIIRS, radiometric calibration).
• Hands-on experience with optical and opto-mechanical design tools and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of satellite-level systems engineering, payload interfaces, and mission CONOPS.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills to interface with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders.

Good to haves:

• Experience designing or analyzing space-qualified imaging payloads, including electronics and opto-mechanics.
• Familiarity with CCD/CMOS sensor technologies and their use in space-based imaging systems.
• Involvement in in-orbit calibration and anomaly resolution for operational satellite payloads.
• Experience developing ground-based or airborne demonstrators for optical systems.
• Certifications such as INCOSE CSEP or equivalent systems engineering qualifications are a plus.