Optical Systems Engineer

Aim high, go beyond

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world's biggest challenges fro space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO)

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It's a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

The systems team leads the design and development of cutting-edge optical payloads, including high-resolution multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems.

We push the boundaries of advanced imaging technologies—integrating short-wave infrared capabilities and onboard AI to extract insights directly in orbit. From concept to launch, we collaborate closely with power, data handling, and communications teams to ensure seamless system integration.

We also take pride in overseeing the full lifecycle of our optical instruments, from precision manufacturing to rigorous testing and qualification. If you're ready to work at the forefront of space-based imaging innovation, this is where your vision takes flight.

What You'll Be Doing

You will be managing all aspects of a development from requirements capture through to concept definition, design, implementation, all levels of testing and orbital operations support.

This role has a specialist aspect where you'll be adding your expertise in optical payloads and managing work packages in space missions relating to this covering both programmatic and technical aspects.

This will include evaluating image quality and performance of optical payloads, as well as supporting the AIT/AIV phases, being responsible for the aligning and calibration processes.

You will be working with multiple stakeholders, supporting bid and sales teams, running customer meetings and presentations at all phases of the project and collaborating with partners and suppliers to push the boundaries of remote sensing from space.

This is a great opportunity to lead new developments that will set a new paradigm in providing actionable information from space

What You'll Bring

We care more about what you can do than where you learned it — if you're excited by the mission, we'd love to hear from you even if you don't tick every box.

To thrive in this role, you'll bring:

Responsibility for specific aspects of optical space systems. Hands on strong knowledge of Earth observation, remote sensing and optical designs is essential with the ability to apply this knowledge to system designs.

The ability to be able to go from zero to commissioning in orbit of a complex optical payload in a short time scale.

To effectively manage image quality budgets, you should have a thorough understanding of MTF, SNR, resolution, manufacturing techniques of optical systems and their limitations, thermo-mechanical aspects, detectors, etc.

You'll have planning exposure and supporting AIT and AIV activities, so we'll expect you to be familiar with optical systems manufacturing, characterisation and testing.

You'll be performing mission analysis and system design, so be ready to manage requirements and utilise the best tools for the job, implement FMECA and design FDIR, manage system budgets and define CONOPs.

The ability to coordinate other technical teams involved in the design process you should have strong applied knowledge of the satellite subsystems and other type of remote sensing payloads, in addition to optical payloads: power system, on-board data handling, AOCS, comms, propulsion, mechanical, thermal, RF and signal processing.

For this role you can be based in any of our locations:

Harwell, UK

Barcelona, Spain

Porto, Portugal

Athens, Greece

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

Why Open Cosmos?

Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.

A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.

A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.