Senior Optical Design Engineer (Ref: 1078)

The Optical Team seeks a dynamic, organised and proactive Optical Design Engineer with high standards and technical capabilities as a key source of optical design and analysis expertise for the next generation of SSTL’s Optical Payloads.

Engineers at SSTL have involvement on a mission right from concept through to launch, commissioning and operational life; a true cradle to grave experience, and will give you the chance to see your work in Space in a rapid timescale! This key role will often sit within the core team of a satellite mission interacting with other technical leads across multiple disciplines to generate the technical solutions for innovative projects.

• Lead the development for space-borne instrumentation in conjunction with one or more multidisciplinary teams, being a technical point of contact for optical design and analysis.
• Evolution of optical design and analysis against project requirements from concept through to manufacture, system integration and verification, including build files and non-compliance analysis.
• Advise on risk, programmatic and budgetary issues with regard to proposed designs
• Proactively provide support to project teams with regard to optical design, analysis and build throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide clear documentation of optical design, analysis, alignment and testing requirements, together with identification of associated risks and trade-offs.
• Maintain awareness of emerging optical capabilities and concepts that may be applicable to space-borne instrumentation
• Maintain links with external areas of optical competence, with regard to design, test and manufacturing
• Proposal and development of novel optical designs relevant to the SSTL business model, incorporating both new concepts and technologies and SSTL heritage techniques
• Support of, and contribute to, the preparation of bid and proposal material
• Provide review and feedback for optical design and analysis, balancing technical requirements with programmatic and budget constraints
• Review and approve both optical component specifications against design, and delivered components.
• Training and mentorship of other team members with regard to optical design, analysis and technology
• Comprehensive knowledge of Optical Design preferably as applied to space applications, coupled with a working knowledge of other engineering disciplines e.g. electronics, opto-mechanics, image processing and electro-optical device physics
• Knowledge and experience of other spacecraft systems would be an advantage
• Ability to prioritise and support multiple optical design issues in parallel.
• The candidate should have basic opto-mechanical knowledge to aid in optical system development
• Knowledge in materials and component selection, in the space domain
• ‘End to end’ Optical Engineering and Payload Chain knowledge/experience including
• Requirements Engineering and Trade offs
• Electro-opto-mechanical Design and Analysis
• Image Quality
• BSc in Optics, Physics or engineering ideally with proven related practical optical design experience
• Optical design experience with high proficiency in Optic Studio (Zemax) is essential
• Design and analysis software knowledge, e.g.SolidWorks, Ansys, SigFit, Python is desirable
• Self-motivated, creative, high attention to detail
• Excellent at planning and organising
• Ability to work autonomously or within project team(s) managing their own work and the work of others
• Recognised ability to deliver
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Knowledge of spacecraft systems / design would be an advantage including materials
• Good MS Office Skills
• Knowledge of Quality Management mechanisms
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes; 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!

SSTL supports applications requiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa and sponsorship is available for this role. Relocation assistance also available.