Lead Engineer – Copernicus Sentinel-2 NG Instrument Optical and Performance

European Space Agency - ESA

. Serve as Instrument Optical and Performance Lead Engineer for the Copernicus Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeNoordwijk • NetherlandsSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in optical design, integration, and performance evaluation of optical space-borne instruments, alongside strong project management skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment. Proficient in managing technical interfaces and ensuring compliance with project risk management and product assurance standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical DesignPerformance VerificationProject Risk ManagementSpace System DevelopmentTechnical Interface Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical Instrument DesignIntegration and TestingCharacterisation of Optical ElementsOptical Beam Splitter DevelopmentDetector Filter DesignOn-Board Calibration UnitOptical Ground Support EquipmentPerformance BudgetsVerification ActivitiesAIV Activities Coordination

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipCommunicationProblem-SolvingSchedule ManagementTechnical Reporting

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree in EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Industry Keywords

Remote SensingESA Project EnvironmentIndustrial ConsortiumProduct Assurance StandardsEuropean Export Control RegulationsIn-Flight CommissioningLaunch Campaign PreparationOptical Space-Borne Instruments

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Remote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as Instrument Optical and Performance Lead Engineer for the Copernicus Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission
Report to the S2 NG Payload Manager on technical and programmatic matters and work within the project team
Manage procurement, timely delivery and integration of all S2 NG instrument optical elements
Supervise design, development, manufacturing, integration, verification, testing and characterisation of detector filters, optical beam splitter, mirrors, on-board calibration unit and optical ground support equipment
Manage industrial activities from procurement tender through in-flight commissioning
Lead optical-element requirements, specifications, technical and performance budgets, performance models, design drivers and payload interfaces
Coordinate end-to-end instrument performance verification and characterisation before flight and during in-flight commissioning
Monitor industrial progress, design evolution, technology roadmaps and verification activities
Resolve non-conformances and support assessment of deviations and waivers
Report to project management, identify technical risks and propose or monitor mitigation measures
Contribute to schedule management and optimisation
Coordinate optical-related instrument AIV activities and support spacecraft AIV activities, launch campaign preparation and in-orbit commissioning
Lead engineers and specialised engineering support from D/TEC and D/OPS
Support Sentinel-2 first-generation and additional Copernicus optical projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline and 4 years of relevant professional experience, or a bachelor’s degree and an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience
Multidisciplinary technical knowledge and experience in remote sensing instrument optical design and performances
Knowledge of and experience in the design, development, integration, verification, characterisation and testing of optical space-borne instruments
Experience managing technical interfaces between subsystems within an ESA project team environment or with an industrial consortium
Knowledge of and experience in project risk management processes, industrial costs and schedule aspects
Knowledge of and experience in space system development and engineering and product assurance standards
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations
Good knowledge of English or French required
Nationality of an eligible ESA Member State or Canada required
Knowledge of another Member State language is an asset
Extensive knowledge of optical design, integration and performance evaluation of optical space-borne instruments is an asset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, potentially extendable up to 8 years
Equal opportunity and inclusive working environment
Workplace support and recruitment assistance for individuals with disabilities
Selection tests and basic screening conducted as part of the recruitment process