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Open Cosmos is seeking Optical Systems Engineers to lead the development of optical payloads for Earth observation missions. You will own the complete journey from concept through launch and in-orbit operations, combining deep optical engineering expertise with systems thinking and programme ownership to deliver flight-ready space systems.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take technical ownership of optical payload developments, working across engineering teams, partners, and suppliers to deliver high-performance missions at speed
- Own end-to-end development of optical payloads, from requirements and concept definition through design, testing, launch and in-orbit commissioning
- Act as the technical authority for optical payload work packages, ensuring mission performance and delivery
- Perform mission analysis and system design for optical Earth observation systems, defining requirements, CONOPS and system budgets
- Drive optical payload performance, managing image quality metrics such as MTF, SNR, resolution and detector behaviour
- Lead design trade-offs to optimise performance, cost, risk and schedule across the payload and spacecraft system
- Plan and support AIT/AIV activities, including optical alignment, calibration, characterisation and testing
- Coordinate engineering across satellite subsystems and external suppliers to deliver integrated mission solutions
- Support technical proposals, customer discussions and new mission concepts that push the boundaries of Earth observation from space
Open Cosmos is a mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges. The company works at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe and maintains a diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Requirements:
- Strong capability in optical space systems, Earth observation and remote sensing
- Ability to develop optical payloads from concept through to commissioning
- Deep understanding of image quality metrics and budgets (MTF, SNR, resolution, detectors)
- Knowledge of optical system manufacturing, alignment, calibration and testing
- Strong systems engineering capability (requirements, CONOPS, system budgets, FMECA/FDIR)
- Understanding of satellite subsystems and multidisciplinary engineering environments
- Legal right to work in chosen location
- Fluency in English for application and communication
