Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Creotech Instruments; United States; Remote; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Creotech Instruments is seeking an experienced optical systems engineer to lead all phases of space optical instrument programs, from requirements analysis to verification and operational support. You will serve as the technical authority for optical payloads and coordinate across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and mission operations.

The role requires 8+ years in space optics, advanced degrees, strong budgeting and leadership skills, and excellent English communication.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering or related
• 8+ years of experience in space optical instruments or related field
• Strong knowledge of optical system design and systems engineering
• Experience with system-level analyses, trade studies and budgeting
• Experience with definition, integration, verification, validation, and testing
• Ability to define and verify requirements throughout the lifecycle
• Demonstrated project leadership and coordination skills
• Excellent written and verbal English communication
• Ability to work independently and with international teams
• Experience in dynamic, project-driven environments

Responsibilities

• Monitor optical systems engineering activities across full project lifecycle from requirements to operations
• Serve as technical authority for optical payloads; manage budgets for optical performance, data rate, and related factors
• Provide technical leadership and supplier management for subcontractors and partners
• Drive project execution by identifying risks and mitigating challenges to ensure timely delivery
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across optics, mechanics, electronics, software, and operations
• Support business development with proposals, customer meetings, and technical reviews
• Mentor engineers and contribute to recruitment and continuous improvement

Skills

Optical system design

Systems engineering

Budgeting

Project leadership

Supplier management

English communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering / related

Tools

MBSE tools

Requirements management tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor optical systems engineering activities of optical instruments and payloads throughout the full project lifecycle, from mission and user needs analysis, system architecture definition, requirements engineering, trade-off studies, implementation, integration, verification, validation, and operational support. Translate customer and observation requirements into technical solutions and ensure complete requirements traceability and compliance,
• Serve as the technical authority for optical payloads, overseeing instrument design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and operational performance. Define and manage technical budgets including optical performance, SNR, MTF, pointing accuracy, stability, data volume, and data rate budgets, while conducting engineering analyses, simulations, and feasibility assessments to support key design decisions,

• Provide technical leadership and supplier management for optical payload subcontractors and external partners by evaluating technical solutions, defining Statements of Work, reviewing technical documentation and data packages, conducting supplier assessments and audits, and ensuring compliance with project requirements and industry standards,

• Drive project execution by identifying technical risks, developing mitigation strategies, resolving engineering challenges, anticipating bottlenecks, and ensuring timely delivery of project objectives. Support major project milestones and reviews, including PDR, CDR, TRR, qualification, acceptance, and operational readiness activities,

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including optics, mechanics, electronics, software, image processing, ground segment, and mission operations engineers to ensure successful system development, integration, commissioning, and long-term operational performance. Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement activities,

• Contribute to business development and customer engagement activities by supporting proposal preparation, technical bid responses, solution definition, customer meetings, technical reviews, and project workshops. Effectively communicate technical recommendations, project status, risks, and engineering outcomes to internal and external stakeholders,

• Mentor and support less experienced engineers, contribute to recruitment and onboarding activities, promote engineering best practices, and actively participate in the continuous improvement of tools, processes, methodologies, and technical capabilities across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD’s degree in Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline,
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in space optical instruments, electro-optical systems, remote sensing payloads, or a comparable optical engineering field,

• Strong knowledge of optical system design, optical payload development, and systems engineering processes,

• Experience performing system-level analyses, trade-off studies, and technical budgeting activities,

• Practical experience with definition, integration, verification, validation, and testing of complex engineering systems,

• Ability to define, manage, and verify system requirements throughout the project lifecycle,

• Demonstrated project leadership and coordination skills within multidisciplinary engineering environments,

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities,

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,

• Professional proficiency in English,

• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within international and multidisciplinary teams,

• Experience working in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace, space, defense, automotive, or other high-technology industries,
• Knowledge of ECSS, ISO, NASA standards, or comparable engineering frameworks,

• Experience with optical performance modeling and analysis tools,

• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, including MBSE and requirements management tools,

• Experience with optical imaging systems, Earth observation instruments, or remote sensing payloads,

• Experience with infrared imaging systems and components,

• Familiarity with image processing and exploitation of optical data products,

• Experience working with precision electro-optical equipment,

• Exposure to spacecraft integration, environmental testing, and launch campaign support,

• Experience working in international projects, consortia, or customer-facing technical roles,

• Relevant professional certifications in systems engineering or project management.

What We Are Looking For

• Technical leadership and ownership mindset,
• Ability to make informed decisions in complex engineering environments,

• Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills,

• Proactive and solution-oriented approach to engineering challenges,

• Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and professional growth,

• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and project needs,

• Passion for space technology, optical systems, and engineering excellence,

• Commitment to quality, reliability, and delivering successful mission outcomes.