Space System Engineer for Optical Missions

Job Description:

Job Description

Airbus Space Systems Spain is looking for an Optical Payload Interface Manager to join the Chief Engineering team in Getafe.

The successful candidate will act as a System Engineer within the Satellite Prime team, with end-to-end technical responsibility for the integration within the satellite of optical payloads for Earth Observation missions, throughout the full project lifecycle.

In this role, the candidate will not only manage the payload–platform interfaces, but will also oversee, steer, and technically assess the design and development of the optical payload, ensuring that performance, architecture, and implementation choices are consistent with system-level objectives and constraints.

This role requires strong Systems Engineering know-how, applied specifically to the development, integration, and verification of optical payloads, ensuring their correct interfacing and performance within the satellite system.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as technical focal point and system authority for the optical payload within the Satellite System Engineering team for Earth Observation programs.

• Perform system engineering activities related to optical payloads, including requirements management, interface definition, performance budgeting / allocation and technical coordination.

• Ensure the coherent integration of the optical payload within the satellite system, covering:

  • Mechanical, thermal, electrical, and data interfaces

  • Functional and performance aspects

• Perform and support system-level analyses and trade-offs impacting the optical payload (e.g. mass, power, thermal stability, pointing)

• Oversee the optical payload architecture and design, including:

  • Optical concept and performance budgets (MTF, radiometry, straylight, alignment)

  • Instrument-level trade-offs and design drivers

  • Payload development plan and technology maturation processes

  • Contribution to in-orbit commissioning and performance monitoring 

• Ensure that optical performance is maintained throughout development, AIT, and in-orbit phases.

• Lead and coordinate the technical follow-up of payload development, including:

  • Monitoring supplier activities and deliverables

  • Participating in reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)

  • Managing technical risks, anomalies, and non-conformances

• Contribute to system-level trade-offs involving payload design, performance, and satellite constraints.

• Ensure compliance with system requirements, applicable standards, and project processes.

• Interface with internal stakeholders (systems, AIT, operations, product assurance) and external partners or suppliers.

Technical Background

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or similar.

• Solid background in Systems Engineering principles and methodologies.

• Experience in optical payloads and/or Earth Observation satellite systems.

• Knowledge of satellite system architecture and payload–platform interfaces.

Experience

• Experience covering several project phases, from early studies to implementation and verification.

• Experience working in a Satellite Prime environment is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with ECSS standards and space project lifecycle.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and system-level thinking.

• Ability to manage complex technical interfaces and multidisciplinary topics.

• Good communication skills for coordination within integrated project teams.

• Proactive, structured, and solution-oriented mindset.

• Ability to work in an international environment.

Languages

• Spanish: Fluent or native.

• English: Advanced level (working language).

Desired / Nice to Have

• Experience with high-resolution optical instruments for Earth Observation.

• Knowledge of AIT activities related to payload integration and testing.

• Previous involvement in spaceflight hardware development projects.

• Experience with configuration management and requirements tools (e.g., DOORS).

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Defence and Space SAU

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Chief Engineering & Architecture

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