Optical Systems Engineer in Guildford

SatVu is a rapidly expanding space technology company, backed by leading investors like Adara Ventures and Lockheed Martin. As the 'World’s Thermometer,' we deliver high‑accuracy thermal datasets from space, providing invaluable insights across sectors. Our cutting‑edge technology fuels significant growth in climate, sustainability, and defence & intelligence/national security markets, with HotSat‑1 launched in 2023 and HotSat‑2 and HotSat‑3 planned for 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, high‑growth organisation at a pivotal moment in its development.

The Role

SatVu is looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to lead the comprehensive technical development of the HotSat‑4 optical instrument. This position requires you to be on‑site with our satellite manufacturer, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford, five days a week for the duration of the payload build. In this role, you will be embedded within SSTL’s Optical Imaging Lead and team, focusing on driving the optical architecture, delivery, and verification during an intensive hands‑on build phase. After this phase, you will transition into SatVu’s technical team, where your responsibilities will include consolidating design knowledge and guiding future payload strategy as we grow the constellation. While you will receive day‑to‑day technical direction from SSTL’s Optical Imaging Lead while on‑site, your overall line management will report to SatVu’s Programmes Director. This position offers an opportunity for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic and rapidly growing company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop optical system architecture, requirements and trade studies for HotSat‑4.
• Perform optical design, performance analysis and verification (image quality, MTF, stray light).
• Define subsystem/component specifications and oversee manufacturing and supplier activities.
• Hands‑on participation in integration, alignment and testing of payload optics.
• Maintain risk registers, mitigation plans, development schedule and budget inputs.
• Produce and own technical documentation required for due diligence and IP transfer (design records, requirements traceability, verification reports, build books).
• Support proposal inputs and technical reviews; facilitate knowledge transfer workshops between SSTL and SatVu.
• Work closely within a core project team.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Optics, Physics or relevant engineering discipline.
• Proven experience in optical engineering applied to space or high-performance imaging systems; end‑to‑end payload experience desirable.
• Hands‑on optical integration and test experience; familiarity with interferometry, MTF testing and alignment.
• Competence in optical design/performance tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio) and modelling (Python, SolidWorks/Ansys desirable).

Desirable Skills and Experience

You don’t need to tick every box to apply—we value curiosity, learning, and the ability to add impact. These are some of the ways you may bring value:

• Strong systems thinking, requirements engineering and trade study capability.
• Excellent written documentation skills and experience producing build/test artefacts for transfer.
• Collaborative team player able to work in SSTL’s environment and represent SatVu professionally.
• Adaptable, proactive, good communicator under time pressure.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and tight timescales.
• A passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact.

Why Join SatVu

• The opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious space start‑ups – developing a completely new and cutting‑edge technology, for a large and accessible market.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative and high‑growth environment.
• Collaborate with and learn from a team of experienced and talented individuals.
• Make a significant impact on urgent global themes—defence and climate tech.

Interview Process

• Initial phone screen: a 30‑minute video call to learn more about you, provide details about the role, and discuss what you are looking for.
• First stage interview: Video call intro with SatVu’s Programmes Director to discuss the role in more detail, as well as your experience. The call will last approx. 30 minutes.
• Technical Assessment: Interview with SatVu’s Programmes Director and SSTL’s Head of Optical Payload (approx. 60 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in‑person at SSTL HQ in Guildford or via a remote video call, based on location and availability.
• HR Screening: Call with our People Director to discuss requirements further (approx. 30 minutes).
• Final stage: Interview with Co‑Founders (approx. 30 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in‑person or via a remote video call, based on availability.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Share options.
• 25 Days Holiday + Birthday Off.
• 6 weeks Work from Anywhere.
• Home Office Budget.
• Learning and development allowance.
• Life insurance.
• Wellbeing days.
• Yulife perks and rewards.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme.
• Contribution towards switching to a renewable energy provider at home.
• Regular lunch & learn sessions.
• Office perks; regular team lunches.

As part of our pre‑employment screening process, we may undertake background checks on applicants who receive an offer of employment. We have in place appropriate policies and safeguards which we are required by law to maintain when processing vetting data.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at SatVu

SatVu is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our team. We strive to provide equality and fairness for all job applicants and employees, and never discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or physical differences. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. Our ambition is for our team and its Board to be representative of the diversity in society, and for every employee to feel respected and able to bring their best selves to work.