Optical Payload Engineer – Earth Observation Future Missions

European Space Agency - ESA

. Define, engineer, technology-breadboard and pre-develop innovative optical payload systems for Earth observation future missions .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeNoordwijk • NetherlandsMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and assessing optical payload systems for Earth observation missions, with a strong focus on emerging sensing technologies such as quantum sensors and photonic sensors. Capable of coordinating with diverse teams and stakeholders to define mission needs and manage industrial contracts effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical Payload DevelopmentEmerging Sensing TechnologiesOptical Remote Sensing TechniquesPerformance Analysis ModelsMaster's Degree in Engineering or Physics

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical Instrument DevelopmentPerformance CalculationsTechnology BreadboardingInnovative Optical Sensing TechnologiesMission Architecture StudiesGround-Based Instrument ModelsPhase 0/A EvaluationTechnology RoadmapsR&D Activities AwarenessIndustrial Contract Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsTeam CollaborationAutonomous WorkMotivation for InnovationCoordination with Scientists

Tools & Technologies

Quantum SensorsPhotonic SensorsFreeform OpticsMiniaturised CamerasSpectrometers

Industry Keywords

Earth ObservationSpaceborne Optical InstrumentsRemote SensingInnovation ProcessesEO Quantum Sensing Strategy

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Remote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

A master's degree in engineering or physics is required
5 years of relevant professional experience
Knowledge of spaceborne optical instruments for Earth observation missions
Experience in optical instrument developments and performance calculations
Knowledge of optical remote sensing techniques and understanding of Earth observation user needs
Knowledge and experience of emerging sensing technologies
Knowledge of innovation-related processes
Experience in innovative optical sensing technologies such as quantum sensors, photonic sensors, freeform optics, miniaturised cameras or spectrometers
Experience of working in a team or project environment
Strong motivation for investigating new sensing concepts involving emerging technologies
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work, coordinate and interact within small teams and autonomously
Ability to coordinate and iterate with Earth observation scientists and users for defining mission needs and requirements
Experience in developing mission and instrument performance analysis models/tools for EO optical instruments is an asset
Good knowledge of English or French is required
Knowledge of another Member State language is an asset
Applications are only considered from nationals of Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania or Slovakia

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness
Inclusive working environment
Workplace support and assistance for applicants with disabilities
Potential appointment at A1 level if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant experience following completion of the master's degree
Selection tests may be provided during recruitment
Basic screening conducted in compliance with ESA security procedures