Optical Systems Engineer

Optical Systems Engineer

Satellite Vu

Guildford, United Kingdom

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.‑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.