European Space Agency - ESA

Engineer

• Define, engineer, technology-breadboard and pre-develop innovative optical payload systems for Earth observation future missions
• Work with emerging sensing technologies including quantum sensors, photonic sensors, freeform optics, miniaturised cameras and spectrometers
• Work on optical payloads based on classical optical systems, including imagers and spectrometers
• Identify and investigate new observation principles and technologies
• Maintain awareness of relevant R&D activities and sensor development programmes inside and outside ESA
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, other ESA directorates, research groups, technical groups, space agencies and commercial initiatives
• Define and assess the performance and technological readiness of emerging sensing payloads and systems
• Define, negotiate, initiate and manage industrial contracts for study and risk retirement of emerging sensing payload systems
• Perform technology breadboarding and pre-development of emerging sensors through completion
• Develop ground-based or airborne instrument models
• Act as optical instrument lead for EO future missions in Phase 0 or Phase A
• Serve as the focal point for emerging sensing technologies in missions undergoing evaluation or preparation
• Evaluate mission proposals and provide payload system support for Phase 0/A and mission architecture studies
• Contribute to technical and scientific dossiers for new EO research and operational missions
• Implement the EO Quantum Sensing Strategy and roadmap within the FutureEO programme
• Develop and maintain technology roadmaps and prepare work/action plans for emerging sensors
• Collaborate with Future Missions and Instruments Division and Directorate staff through knowledge sharing and domain-specific training

Optical Payload Engineer – Earth Observation Future Missions