Optical Systems Engineer

Creotech Instruments; Kraków; Hybrid; PLN 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Creotech Instruments S.A. is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced optical payloads for space applications. You will perform systems engineering across the project lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, clients and suppliers to deliver high‑performance space systems.

Place of work: Kraków or Warsaw, with the option of partial remote working. You will lead requirements, architecture, verification and integration activities and participate in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in optical engineering or related field.
• 3-8 years of experience in optical systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of system design and engineering methodology.
• Experience defining and managing requirements and documentation.
• Proficient in English; good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering for optical instruments across lifecycle.
• Define requirements and system architecture; perform trade studies.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, clients and suppliers.
• Support verification, validation and environmental testing campaigns.

Skills

Systems engineering

Optical instruments

Requirements management

Trade-off analysis

Analytical thinking

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in optical engineering

Tools

ECSS standards

MBSE

Requirements management tools

Job description

Creotech Instruments S.A. is a Polish manufacturer and integrator of satellites and satellite systems. Using our proprietary HyperSat platform, we design, manufacture, integrate and test satellites, and also support their launch and in-orbit operations. We carry out advanced space programmes, including in the fields of Earth observation for defence and dual-use applications, space situational awareness, and enhancing the resilience of navigation systems. We have our own electronics manufacturing facility and a small satellite integration facility certified by the European Space Agency (ESA). Since 2022, we have been listed on the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange as the first Polish company in the space technology sector. Join the team that is building Poland's space capabilities.

We are looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instruments (payloads) for space applications. In this role, you will be responsible for carrying out systems engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, clients and suppliers to develop and deliver high-performance space systems. The role offers the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge space missions and to develop your experience and expertise in the field of space optical systems. Place of work: Kraków or Warsaw, with the option of partial remote working.

Your responsibilities:

• Independently carrying out systems engineering activities for optical instruments (payloads) at all stages of the project life cycle, including defining requirements, developing system architecture, implementing solutions, verification, validation and operational support;
• Carrying out engineering analyses, calculations, trade-off analyses and technical assessments to support project decision-making and ensure compliance with requirements;
• Defining, managing, verifying and tracking requirements for systems and subsystems, and preparing technical documentation for key project reviews such as PDR, CDR and TRR;
• Developing and maintaining technical parameter budgets, including, amongst others, optical efficiency, Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and data throughput;
• Working closely with multidisciplinary teams involved in the development, integration and qualification of optical instruments, comprising specialists in the fields of optics, mechanics, electronics, software, testing and image processing;
• Participation in integration, verification and validation campaigns, as well as environmental testing of systems, including activities carried out in cleanroom conditions;
• Supporting the technical coordination of suppliers and subcontractors by participating in technical reviews, documentation assessments and engineering meetings;
• Helping to prepare tenders, responses to requests for quotation and technical documentation, as well as participating in meetings with clients and activities supporting business development;
• Participating in design reviews, technical meetings, workshops and client interactions, whilst documenting the outcomes and actions arising from these meetings;
• Identifying technical risks, design issues and constraints, and actively supporting measures to minimise their impact on project delivery;
• Contributing to the improvement of processes and working methods, and the implementation of good engineering practices in accordance with applicable standards, such as ECSS.

Requirements:

• Master's degree or higher qualification in optical engineering, optoelectronics, physics, aerospace engineering or a related field;
• At least 3-8 years of professional experience in the field of optical systems engineering, optical instruments, electro-optical Earth observation systems or related engineering disciplines;
• Good knowledge of optical systems and the principles of system design and development in accordance with systems engineering methodology;
• Experience in carrying out engineering analyses, trade-off analyses and technical assessments;
• Experience in defining and managing requirements and preparing technical documentation;
• Practical experience relating to the integration, verification, validation or testing of engineering systems;
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and to collaborate effectively within technical teams comprising members from various specialisms;
• Well-developed analytical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Very good command of English, enabling you to work comfortably in an international environment;
• Ability to work in a dynamic project environment with multiple stakeholders and concurrent priorities.

Nice to have:

• Experience gained in the space, aerospace, defence, automotive or other high-tech sectors;
• Knowledge of ECSS, ISO, NASA or other comparable standards and engineering methodologies;
• Experience in modelling and analysing the parameters and performance of optical systems;
• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, including MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) and requirements management tools;
• Experience with optical imaging systems and Earth observation instruments;
• Experience with infrared imaging systems and optical components operating in this spectral range;
• Knowledge of issues relating to image processing and the use of optical data products;
• Experience in the integration of artificial satellites, environmental testing or support for launch campaigns;
• Experience gained in international projects, consortia or roles requiring direct cooperation with the client.