Optical Payload System Engineer Ref. Optical_SAT_2026

OHB Italia SpA; Milano, Roma, Torino; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking an Optical Payload System Engineer in Milano, with over 5 years of experience in optical systems. This role involves leading the development and procurement of advanced optical payloads and conducting performance assessments for Earth observation missions. Strong knowledge in electro-optical systems, imaging techniques, and excellent problem-solving skills are essential. A Master's or PhD in Physics, Optics, or Aerospace is required, along with a structured, hands-on work approach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in optical systems.
• Strong knowledge in electro-optical systems and missions.
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and procurement of optical systems.
• Conduct trade studies for optical performance optimization.
• Document design processes and test results.

Skills

Electro-optical systems

Photonics

Optics

Imaging techniques

Sensor technologies

Earth-observation missions

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Customer oriented thinking

Education

University degree (Master/PhD) in Physics, Optics or Aerospace

Tools

ZEMAX

Job description

OHB Italia is seeking for its Satellites & Missions Business Unit in Milano/Roma/Torino a

Optical Payload System Engineer Ref. Optical_SAT_2026

We are seeking an Optical Payload System Engineer with 5+ years of hands‑on working experience. In this role, you will lead and drive the Optical payload activities along the whole project lifecycle, including preliminary design, specification, procurement, integration, verification, launch and in-orbit operations. You will be actively involved with one or more projects, and provide specific expertise in support to the system engineering team. The successful candidate’s knowledge of space systems, optical missions and payloads will be key for the success of OHB Italia Earth Observation and exploration business.

Tasks to be performed:

• Lead the development, qualification and procurement of challenging optical systems, including electro-optical payloads and other optical cameras (eg. Navcam)
• Technical support to procurement of optical systems
• Conduct trade studies and performance assessments to optimize optical system.
• Definition of payload I/F and requirements for Earth observation missions
• Support CalVal plan definition and End-to-end mission performance budgets and analysis
• Develop test plans and procedures for optical payload testing, including laboratory and environmental testing.
• Document design processes, test results, and system specifications to support project documentation and reporting.
• Support satellite AIT (hands‑on) and verification activities
• Participation to in orbit commissioning and Calval
• Stay current with advancements in optical technologies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the team

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of electrooptical systems
• Understanding of photonics, optics, opto‑mechanics, imaging techniques, and sensor technologies
• Experience with Earth‑observation and optical missions
• Knowledge of spacecraft design and I/F
• Excellent sense of responsibility
• Structured hands‑on work‑approach
• Highly self‑motivated and able to work autonomously
• Excellent problem‑solving skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Customer oriented thinking‑approach
• University degree (Master/PhD) in Physics, Optics or Aerospace plus relevant proven work experience in industry

Assets

• Perform optical design simulations and analysis using software tools (e.g., ZEMAX)