At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of next-gen optical systems for spacecraft in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace company focused on innovative optical technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exciting projects and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space technology while working with cutting-edge optical systems.
- Qualifications: BSc in Optics or related field; experience in optical systems engineering preferred.
The Optical Team seeks a dynamic, organised and proactive engineer with high standards and technical capabilities to lead the development and delivery of the next generation of SSTL’s spacecraft Optical Payloads.
Key Tasks
- Development of space-borne optical systems within a multidisciplinary team performing optical instrument system design, being the technical point of contact for the relevant optical system(s).
- Design and development of optical systems from concept through to manufacture, system integration and verification.
- Plan, execute, and interpret optical metrology programmes using interferometry, autocollimators, MTF bench setups, and wavefront measurement tools, for incoming inspection, build verification, and system-level acceptance testing.
- Lead or support environmental test campaigns for optical payloads, developing test plans, overseeing execution, interpreting results against performance requirements, and formally documenting outcomes.
- Participate hands-on in the integration, alignment, and assembly of optical payloads, applying precision alignment techniques to the standard required for flight hardware.
- Develop and maintain verification and validation plans, risk registers, and development schedules.
- Manage the delivery of complete optical system work packages, including ownership of technical documentation to the standard required for formal reviews, IP traceability, and customer acceptance: requirements matrices, design analysis records, test reports, and build books.
- Reviewing and balancing optical system performance against programmatic and budget constraints, working collaboratively with project managers and technical leads to maintain delivery.
- Engage directly with customers at project reviews, presenting a holistic view of the optical payload technical status, risk, and performance.
- Provide technical support and oversight of optical system architecture, performance analysis, subsystem and component specification, supplier activities, and optical alignment and testing.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Previous Experience
- Required: Comprehensive knowledge of Optical Engineering, applied to space, defence or high-performance imaging applications, coupled with a working knowledge of other engineering disciplines e.g. electronics, opto-mechanics, image processing and electro-optical device physics.
- Proven ownership of optical system requirements, interfaces, and verification across a multidisciplinary programme.
- Experience producing technical documentation: requirements matrices, V&V plans and test reports.
- Ideal: Hands-on experience with optical characterisation and testing activities including alignment, metrology and system-level acceptance.
- End-to-end involvement in optical development from early concepts and trade-offs through integration, test and acceptance.
Qualifications Knowledge & Skills
- Required: BSc in Optics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or relevant BEng degree with proven related practical experience in aerospace optical and/or spacecraft systems.
- Proven experience in optical systems engineering applied to space, defence, or high-performance imaging programmes—with demonstrable ownership of systems-level responsibilities: requirements, interfaces, verification, and risk.
- Self-motivated, creative, high attention to detail and accountable.
- Ability to work autonomously or within project team(s) and a real company player.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in an organised and responsive manner.
- Creative problem solving.
- Good MS Office Skills.
- Ideal: Optical design and analysis experience with proficiency in OpticStudio (Zemax); experience with FRED would be an additional advantage.
- Knowledge of opto-mechanical design principles: kinematic mounting strategies, thermal and vibration sensitivity of optical assemblies, and precision alignment approaches.
- Ability to write and understand simple python scripts.
- Knowledge of Quality Management systems.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, drive & delivery, self-manage effectively, and communicate effectively.
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Optical Systems Engineer in Surrey employer: Surrey Satellite Technology
As an AIT Integration Engineer with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing space exploration. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering opportunities for training and development while working in a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment. Located in a vibrant area, our company not only supports your career aspirations but also encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Surrey Satellite Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Systems Engineer in Surrey
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Surrey Satellite Technology for a Optical Systems Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Systems Engineer in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Surrey Satellite Technology, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Surrey Satellite Technology, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Satellite Technology
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Surrey Satellite Technology.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Surrey Satellite Technology. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Surrey Satellite Technology love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
