Payload Systems Engineer (SAR or Optical)

Payload Systems Engineer (SAR or Optical)

Argotec

San Mauro Torinese, Italy

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for an enthusiastic Payload System Engineer who will be part of our Systems Engineering Unit. In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative and exciting space missions based on Small Satellites, with a primary focus on the payload suite and its integration with the rest of the spacecraft. 

We foster a collaborative environment where every Argonaut can contribute with their ideas and expertise, create meaningful value together, and transform feedback and mistakes into opportunities for learning and innovation, growing both professionally and personally, as individuals and as a team. 

DUTIES 

As a Payload Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for payload-to-platform architecture, development, qualification and in-orbit operations. The payload suite primarily include Optical or Radar/SAR Payload technologies, ensuring full alignment with mission objectives, technical constraints, and customer needs.

The activities will include (but are not limited to): 

• Payload sub-system level activities, from analysis to integration and testing at spacecraft level;
• Payload, technologies and performance selection according to the mission/client requirements; 
• Serve as the primary reference for all payload-related activities throughout the spacecraft development phases, and act as the technical interface with both suppliers and clients;
• Contribution to the opto-electronic system engineering plans from optical to sub-system, including design and development plan, and verification plan;
• Definition and management of technical requirements and specifications;
• Day-to-day coordination with the Technical Responsible, Program Manager, Unit Heads, and Subsystem Engineers;
• Definition and management of concepts of operations and mission profiles in terms of payload subsystems, including in-orbit commissioning;
• Management of payload sub-system architectures;
• Management of technical and programmatical trade-off; 
• Management of sub-system budgets (MTF Budget, Radiometric Budget, ecc.);
• Preparation of technical documentation and meetings for customers, subcontractors, and suppliers; 
• Testing activities at Flatsat and Flight Item levels: writing of procedure and/or test execution and reporting;
• Support for AIT, AIV and qualification campaigns for the Payload and Spacecraft;
• Support for anomalies and NRB;
• Support flight operations and payload operations from commissioning to routine operations. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Astrophysics, Optics, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical fields.;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams; 
• Strong system‑level thinking, results‑oriented mindset, and solid planning/prioritisation capabilities;
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously; 
• Excellent written and oral communication in English. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

• Demonstrate a good understanding of Optical telescope and/or SAR technology for space-application;
• Good knowledge of satellite architecture and design and its interface with the payload;
• CMOS and CCD sensors knowledge;
• Good understanding of Satellite Image correction (Dark, Flat, From L0 level to L2 level);
• Knowledge of relevant performances parameter for Optical and/or SAR payloads;
• Experience with Phyton and other programming languages;
• Management and handling of Optical and/or SAR payloads. 

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• More than 2 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in the aerospace industry with Optical or SAR payloads;
• Knowledge of infrared optical systems;
• Experience with in‑orbit operations, payload calibration, or commissionin;
• Knowledge of ECSS and/or NASA standards.