Optical Payload Systems Engineer

About the role

Satellogic is seeking an Optical Payload Systems Engineer to lead the design, verification and integration of optical payload subsystems for its next‑generation Earth observation satellites. The role sits within the Systems Engineering team and works closely with mechanical, thermal, electronics and program management colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Technically lead the optical payload subsystem activities and serve as the primary point of contact.
• Interpret mission and spacecraft level requirements and establish baseline technical requirements for the payload.
• Define and manage payload verification plans, specifications and test requirements.
• Perform trade studies of optoelectronic components to optimize mass, power, spectral and spatial resolution, signal‑to‑noise ratio and other performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain technical budgets such as SNR, MTF and radiometry.
• Prepare and present design analysis documentation for design reviews throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support payload integration, assembly, integration and test (AIT) activities and oversee module manufacturing.
• Provide technical support for on‑orbit operations and contribute to future payload development.

Required profile

Required skills

• Optical payload design and analysis
• Systems engineering for spacecraft
• Trade‑study methodology for optoelectronic components
• Payload verification planning and execution