Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Spline; Kraków; Hybrid; PLN 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CoE or B2B employment

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Spline is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical payloads for space missions. You will own projects end-to-end, collaborating with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.

The role requires strong leadership and a deep background in optical systems engineering, with English proficiency and a track record in complex, multidisciplinary programs. Location options include Warsaw or Kraków, Poland, with a hybrid model (minimum 2 days in the office).

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in space optical instruments, electro-optical systems or remote sensing payloads.
• Strong background in optical system design and systems engineering; hands-on integration, tests and verification.
• Experience with requirements management, trade-off studies and performance budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead System Engineering across concept to integration, testing, and operations.
• Serve as Technical Authority for optical payloads, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Manage suppliers: set SOWs, review docs, oversee subcontractors.
• Drive execution and mitigate risks; lead PDR/CDR/TRR milestones and resolve anomalies.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, software and operations teams for seamless integration.
• Support business development: help prepare proposals and present solutions.

Skills

Optical design

Systems engineering

Leadership

Requirements management

Risk management

Problem solving

English fluency

Education

Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering

Tools

Optical modeling tools

Job description

We are looking for aSenior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical payloads and instruments for space missions. You will take full technical ownership of projects throughout their entire lifecycle - working with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.

Location: Warsaw or Kraków, Poland (hybrid work with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office)

What you will do:

Lead System Engineering: Manage optical systems from early concept, architecture, and requirements to integration, testing, and operations.

Serve as Technical Authority: Oversee design, manufacturing, and testing of optical payloads; manage key technical budgets (e.g., optical performance, SNR, MTF, pointing stability).

Manage Suppliers: Set specifications (Statements of Work), review documentation, and oversee subcontractors and partners.

Drive Execution & Mitigate Risks: Solve technical challenges, lead review milestones (PDR, CDR, TRR), and resolve anomalies.

Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with mechanical, electronics, software, and operations engineers to ensure seamless integration.

Support Business Development: Help prepare technical proposals, bid responses, and present solutions to customers.

Mentor & Improve: Guide junior team members, promote best practices, and improve internal engineering processes.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: At least 8 years in space optical instruments, electro-optical systems, or remote sensing payloads.

Core Skills:

Strong background in optical system design and systems engineering.

Hands‑on experience with system integration, testing, and verification.

Experience with requirements management, trade‑off studies, and performance budgeting.

Proven leadership skills in multidisciplinary engineering projects.

Soft Skills: Excellent problem‑solving, team collaboration, and proactive leadership mindset.

Languages: Professional fluency in English (written and spoken).

Nice to Have

Experience in space, aerospace, or defense industries.

Familiarity with space standards (ECSS, ISO, NASA).

Hands‑on experience with optical modeling tools, Earth observation, or infrared imaging systems.

Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies (e.g., MBSE) and requirements management tools.

Experience with spacecraft environmental testing, integration, or launch campaign support.

Experience working in international project consortia or customer‑facing technical roles.

Relevant systems engineering or project management certifications.

We offer:

• Type of employment: Contract of Employment (CoE) or B2B (your choice)
• Work location: Warsaw or Kraków, Poland (hybrid model: min. 2 days per week in the office)