Senior Electro-Optical Engineer (Space Payloads)

About the role

FADA is seeking a motivated senior electro‑optical engineer to lead the design, development and integration of optical payloads for Earth observation satellites. You will work across the full mission lifecycle, collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver high‑performance, reliable imaging solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop spaceborne electro‑optical imaging systems, including telescopes, detectors and imaging electronics.
• Define and verify system‑level requirements such as resolution, SNR, MTF, dynamic range and radiometric accuracy.
• Perform optical design analysis, stray‑light modeling and performance simulation using tools like Zemax or Code V.
• Coordinate with vendors for component selection, interface definition and performance evaluation.
• Support payload integration, environmental testing and AIT campaigns, analysing test data against design models.
• Maintain payload performance budgets (optical, radiometric, power, thermal) and comprehensive documentation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and developing EO payloads or optical systems for space applications.
• Proven experience with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V.

Required skills

• Zemax, Code V, optical design analysis, stray‑light modeling, performance simulation.
• Knowledge of detectors and imaging sensors (CCD, CMOS, TDI, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
• Electronic interfaces, data acquisition and onboard image‑processing pipelines.
• Familiarity with NASA, ESA or equivalent space standards.
• Experience with space‑grade components and design‑for‑manufacture methodologies.