Optical Designer

Job Title: Optical Designer

Job Location: Fully Remote in UK

Job Type: Full-time

Our NewSpace client are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Optical Designer to join the team. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing and analysing optical systems for Satellites, ensuring the highest levels of performance and reliability.

As an Optical Designer you will lead the optical design and analysis efforts for their products. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineering, hardware development, and integration teams, to create, refine, and implement optical systems from concept to final product.

As an Optical Designer, you will be responsible for:

• Requirements Generation and Management: Collaborating with stakeholders to define and specify optical system requirements for new optical systems. This includes understanding customer needs, mission objectives, and system constraints.

• Optical Design Development: Leading the design process for optical systems, including selecting appropriate optical components, configuring optical layouts, and ensuring compliance with performance specifications.

• Detailed Design and Analysis: Performing detailed optical design analysis, including ray tracing, aberration analysis, modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis, and performance optimization. Ensuring that designs meet operational and environmental requirements.

• Integration and Verification Testing: Leading the integration of optical subsystems into the overall payload architecture, conducting performance tests, and verifying the design against system requirements.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with the systems engineering team, mechanical engineers, and other specialists to ensure that optical systems integrate seamlessly with the overall payload system.

• Documentation and Reporting: Preparing design documentation, test plans, analysis reports, and providing clear, concise presentations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Continuous Improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve optical design processes, tools, and methodologies to optimize performance, reduce cost, and minimize risk.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the optical design (Optical products for Satellites) ensuring they meet mission goals and customer requirements.

• Perform in-depth optical analysis using industry-standard software tools.

• Work closely with other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers) to ensure that optical systems are fully integrated into the larger payload.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior optical engineers and cross-functional teams.

• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and other key project milestones.

• Ensure that optical systems meet rigorous performance, reliability, and environmental standards.

• Support prototype development, integration, and testing activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).

• Proven experience 5+ in optical design for space-based or Earth observation systems.

• Strong knowledge of optical design software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V, LightTools) and analysis tools.

• Hands-on experience in optical system integration, verification, and testing.

• Familiarity with space and environmental testing conditions, including radiation, vibration, and thermal testing.

• Experience with opto-mechanical integration and collaboration with mechanical engineers.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a range of stakeholders.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to overcoming technical challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with optical systems used in remote sensing missions.

• Understanding of optical system modeling, performance trade-offs, and optimisation techniques.

• Experience in managing optical design projects through various development phases.

• Knowledge of space industry standards and regulations

Skills & Attributes:

• Technical Expertise: Expertise in optical design and analysis, with a solid understanding of optical system principles and design processes.

• Collaborative: Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, coordinating with various engineering teams.

• Innovative Mindset: Demonstrates a creative approach to solving complex optical design challenges and a drive to push the boundaries of optical technology.

• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on quality and precision in optical designs, ensuring the highest performance and reliability.

• Leadership: Ability to lead design efforts and mentor junior engineers, guiding the team through the design process and development milestones.

If you are interested in this role, please apply today.