Electro-Optical (EO) Payload Systems Engineer

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Electro-Optical (EO) Payload Systems Engineer will be responsible for the definition, development, and validation of the image acquisition chain for space-based optical instruments based on space image sensors.

Key responsibilities include:

• System Architecture & Requirements
  • Define the architecture of the video acquisition chain.
  • Derive and specify requirements for the image acquisition chain components based on system-level needs
  • Specification of readout electronics hardware.
  • Specification of FPGA firmware for detector control and video chain interfacing.
  • Interface definition with onboard data handling systems.

• Procurement & Technical Follow-Up
  • Provide technical support during procurement of image sensors and related electronics.
  • Manage supplier technical follow-up and ensure compliance with specifications.

• Laboratory Activities & Validation Test
  • Support the integration and bring-up of the video acquisition subsystem in laboratory environments.
  • Lead the characterization of image sensors and acquisition chain performance.
  • Define and specify OGSE/EGSE for sensor testing.
  • Develop detailed test plans and measurement protocols.
  • Execute test campaigns in ISO-8/ISO-5 cleanroom environments.
  • Implement structured image processing pipelines for data analysis.
  • Generate comprehensive performance test reports.

• Integration & Support
  • Support integration of optical sensors into focal planes and interfacing with front-end electronics.
  • Provide technical assistance to manufacturing and AIT teams for sensor handling and operation.

• Documentation & Reviews
  • Prepare technical documentation for internal and external reviews.
  • Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and verification activities.

Education and Training

• Master’s degree in Engineering, ideally specialized in Electrical Engineering with a focus on electro-optical systems.

Experience and Skills

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in electronics design, integration and validation.
• Experience with FPGA development (firmware development, timing/sequencing, high-speed interfaces).
• Experience in characterization test plan definition and test bench design.

Strongly Valued:

• Expertise in image sensors and readout electronics, (Visible/IR, CMOS/CCD/microbolometers).
• Practical experience with electro-optical instrumentation for lab and spacecraft-oriented development (sensor control, biasing, synchronization, acquisition).
• Solid understanding of low-noise analog and high-speed digital electronics.
• Familiarity with optical focal plane concepts and performance metrics, including radiometry and MTF (and how these translate into measurable detector/ROIC requirements).
• Experience building and using test/measurement data pipelines for sensor and readout characterization using Python and/or MATLAB

Valued:

• Experience with space qualification processes and environmental testing (TVAC, vibration).
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and handling of sensitive optical components.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards and space project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of EMVA Standard 1288 for image sensor characterization.
• Experience with radiation effects on detectors and mitigation strategies.

Soft Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proactive and autonomous working style.
• Fluent in both Spanish and English (spoken and written); French is a plus
• Service-oriented and committed to meeting project deliverables

What do we offer?

• Flexible schedule, from 8 to 9.30 and 16.30 until 18h.
• Thales Concilia: a set of advantages and free services and others at reduced prices.
• Free and healthy canteen.
• Enjoy discounts and special promotions on products and services thanks to Club Ahorro.
• 22 working days of vacation, 6 days of free disposal and closing days that do not consume vacations at Christmas and Easter.
• Thales Flex: Personalized flexible compensation plan in which you can choose how to distribute your salary (health insurance, childcare vouchers, transportation and training).
• Annual bonus.
• Fixed profit bonus of 739,76€.
• Sharing Thales program: become a Thales shareholder.
• Hybrid work plan.
• Pension Plan with monthly contributions on your behalf to your Pension Plan.
• Wellness Plan: thematic webinars and access to our company clubs.
• Medical and physiotherapy service at the workplace.
• We continuously create an inclusive, respectful and cooperative environment.

#SPACEFORLIFE