Optical Payload System Engineer

Deadline to apply: 28/04/2026

We are looking for an Optical Payload System Engineer on behalf of and in support to our client for one of their locations in either Milan, Rome, Benevento or Turin, Italy.

In this role, you will lead and drive the Optical payload activities along the whole project lifecycle, including preliminary design, specification, procurement, integration, verification, launch and in-orbit operations.

You will be actively involved with one or more projects, and provide specific expertise in support to the system engineering team.

The successful candidate’s knowledge of space systems, optical missions and payloads will be key for the success of OHB Italia Earth Observation and exploration business.

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at interview stage).

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to:

• Lead the development, qualification and procurement of challenging optical systems, including electro-optical payloads and other optical cameras (eg. Navcam);

• Provide technical support to procurement of optical systems;

• Conduct trade studies and performance assessments to optimize optical system;

• Carry out definition of payload I/F and requirements for Earth observation missions;

• Support CalVal plan definition and End-to-end mission performance budgets and analysis;

• Develop test plans and procedures for optical payload testing, including laboratory and environmental testing;

• Document design processes, test results, and system specifications to support project documentation and reporting;

• Support satellite AIT (hands‑on) and verification activities;

• Participate to in orbit commissioning and Calval;

• Stay current with advancements in optical technologies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the team.

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap (categorie protette L.68/99 art.1) or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment.

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the mandatory requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection.

• Master’s or PhD in Physics, Optics or Aerospace;

• At least 5 years of hands‑on experience;

• Strong knowledge of electrooptical systems;

• Understanding of photonics, optics, opto‑mechanics, imaging techniques, and sensor technologies;

• Experience with Earth‑observation and optical missions;

• Knowledge of spacecraft design and I/F;

• Experience perform optical design simulations and analysis using software tools (e.g., ZEMAX) is considered an asset;

• Excellent sense of responsibility;

• Structured hands‑on work‑approach;

• Highly self‑motivated and able to work autonomously;

• Excellent problem‑solving skills;

• Good interpersonal skills;

• Customer oriented thinking‑approach;

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the EU;

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.