Optical System Engineer

Who we’re looking for

• Relevant education: Master’s degree in aerospace, optical, mechanical engineering or comparable qualification
• Professional and methodical competence: 3–5 years of experience in aerospace, optics, or similar industry; Strong knowledge of optical system engineering and payload design; Experience in requirements engineering, validation and specification of optical systems; Familiarity with system engineering processes including interface definition, trade-offs, and technical budgeting; Experience with satellite system and subsystem development; Knowledge of optical manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes; Experience in technical reviews (e.g., ESA projects); Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software); Experience in proposal preparation and evaluation as well as subcontractor coordination; ZEMAX expertise
• Personal and social competencies: Strong communication and presentation skills; Ability to work in international and interdisciplinary teams; High degree of flexibility and resilience; Structured and analytical working method; Proactive and solution-oriented mindset; Strong team spirit and collaboration skills; Willingness to take responsibility and support knowledge sharing and mentoring; Entrepreneurial mindset with quality and cost awareness; Integrity; Reliability and high level of commitment; Fluency in spoken and written English is a must

What you’ll do

• The Optical System Engineer is responsible for the development, validation, and system-level integration of optical payloads within satellite systems across the full lifecycle from proposal phase to launch.
• This is an onsite position, located in Brno, Czech Republic.
• The position is offered as a fixed-term contract for 3 years, with the possibility of extension. We are primarily considering candidates based in the EU or with existing eligibility to work in the EU.
• The role includes developing and validating requirements for optical payloads based on analysis, testing, customer requirements and allocated budgets. This also involves analysing system requirements, extracting subsystem-relevant requirements, and defining, generating and maintaining specifications.
• At system level, the role focuses on: interface definition and control, functional analyses and simulations, trade-offs and technical budgeting, validation and verification strategy across the project lifecycle
• You will contribute to the development and design of satellite systems and subsystems, working closely with subject matter experts on architecture definition, system and component engineering, trade-off studies and system modelling. This includes planning system development and coordinating engineering activities within the project team.
• The role also supports manufacturing, assembly and testing by providing optical engineering expertise and actively participating in: procurement, assembly, testing processes
• You will collaborate closely across disciplines (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software) and support coordination and supervision of subcontractors for development, manufacturing and integration activities.
• The position is also involved in proposals and customer interaction, including: proposal preparation and evaluation, ESA ITTs and other tenders, technical discussions (RFQ, RFP, RFI), participation in system and subsystem reviews (e.g. ESA)
• Additional responsibilities include creating and maintaining technical documentation (design, drawings, requirements, performance), presenting results internally and externally, and contributing to knowledge sharing, mentoring and training.
• The role supports space projects from early proposal phase through launch and contributes to the development of new technologies.
• Additional responsibilities include creating and maintaining technical documentation, presenting results internally and externally, and contributing to knowledge sharing, mentoring, and training.
• The role supports projects from proposal phase through launch and contributes to new technology development.

About the position

OHB Czechspace s.r.o. was established in 2017 and is part of the OHB SE technology group. As a member of one of the major independent groups in the European space industry, OHB Czechspace plays a significant role. With a young team of well-trained and highly skilled engineers, the company has proven its competence through contributions to several internationally recognized projects. The main business activities of OHB Czechspace focus on the development, system integration, and supply of structural, thermal, and optical subsystems, payloads, MGSE, and launcher structures. These activities include structural and thermal analyses, mechanical and thermal design, mechanical testing, procurement, as well as quality and product assurance. Since its establishment, OHB Czechspace has been involved in several key European Space Agency (ESA) programmes, such as the planetary defence missions HERA and RAMSES, the science and exploration missions PLATO and Comet Interceptor, and the space transportation mission NEP RocketRoll. Most recently, the SOVA S mission has successfully passed the prestigious ESA selection process and is now progressing towards implementation. Join our team and be part of shaping the future of space.

Benefits

• Work Life Balance: Flexible working hours, 25 days vacation days, 2 personal days
• Home-office work possibility
• Development: Extensive range of online training courses, individual professional development, Language courses & annual employee dialogue
• Space Projects
• Meal Contribution
• Other Benefits
• Multisport Card Contribution
• Company parties & events