Senior Engineer - Optical Payload

External Job Description

FADA is seeking a motivated electro-optical engineer with experience working on electro-optical payloads for Earth observation satellite systems. The role requires knowledge of design, development, integration and validation of optical units of the payload, including the imaging systems and their interfaces with thermal, structural and electronics sub-systems. You will be part of the satellite mission throughout its lifecycle, gaining exposure to multiple satellite sub-systems, industry-standard tools, methodologies and global best practices. You will work with multi-cultural, cross-functional teams to deliver high performance, reliable solutions.

Roles and responsibilities
•    Participate in the design and development of spaceborne electro-optical imaging systems, including telescopes, detectors, and imaging electronics.
•    Define and verify system-level requirements, including resolution, SNR, MTF, dynamic range, and radiometric accuracy.
•    Support optical design analysis, stray light modeling, and performance simulation using tools like Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
•    Collaborate with vendors for selection, interface definition, and performance evaluation of payload systems.
•    Contribute to payload integration and environmental testing 
•    Analyze test data and correlate with design models to validate performance.
•    Develop and maintain payload performance budgets (optical, radiometric, power, thermal).
•    Support AIT campaigns and troubleshooting during spacecraft-level testing.
•    Maintain design documentation, review and test reports, and interface control documents.

Qualifications – must haves
•    Bachelor’s degree in optics/physics or a related engineering field.
•    5+ years of experience in design and development of EO payloads or optical systems for space applications.
•    Experience with software Zemax/Code V, or other equivalent optical design and analysis software.

Good to have – preferred skills
•    Familiarity with detectors and imaging sensors (CCD/CMOS, TDI, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
•    Working knowledge of electronic interfaces, data acquisition, and onboard image processing pipelines.
•    Familiarity with space standards from NASA, ESA or other equivalent standards.
•    Familiarity with space grade components and design to manufacture methodology.
•    Strong analytical, documentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
•    Should be a team player, capable of performing in dynamic, fast-paced environment.

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