Optical Systems Engineer

About the Role

Creotech Instruments S.A. is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instruments and payloads for space applications. In this role, you will contribute to system engineering activities throughout the full project lifecycle, working closely with multidisciplinary teams, customers, and suppliers to deliver high-performance space systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge space missions, gain broad exposure to optical system development, and further develop expertise in spaceborne optical technologies. The role can be based in Kraków or Warsaw, Poland, with the option of partial remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute systems engineering activities for optical instruments and payloads throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements definition, system design, implementation, verification, validation, and operational support.
• Perform system analyses, trade-off studies, technical assessments, and engineering calculations to support decisions and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Define, manage, and verify system and subsystem requirements while maintaining requirements traceability and preparing technical documentation for project milestones such as PDR, CDR, and TRR.
• Support the development and maintenance of technical budgets, including optical performance, SNR, MTF, data volume, and data rate budgets.
• Collaborate closely with optics, mechanics, electronics, software, testing, and image processing teams to ensure successful development, integration, and qualification of optical systems.
• Participate in integration, verification, validation, and environmental testing campaigns, including activities performed in cleanroom environments.
• Support technical coordination of suppliers and subcontractors through participation in technical reviews, documentation assessments, and engineering discussions.
• Contribute technical input to proposals, tenders, customer meetings, and business development activities.
• Participate in project reviews, technical meetings, workshops, and customer interactions, documenting outcomes and assigned actions where required.
• Identify technical risks and issues, proactively communicate concerns, and support the implementation of mitigation actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, engineering best practices, and the application of relevant standards such as ECSS.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Optoelectronics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline,
• Typically, 3-8 years of professional experience in optical systems engineering, optical instruments, electro-optical systems, remote sensing payloads, or a comparable engineering field,
• Good understanding of optical system design principles and systems engineering processes,
• Experience performing engineering analyses, trade-off studies, and technical evaluations,
• Experience with requirements definition, requirements management, and technical documentation,
• Practical experience supporting integration, verification, validation, or testing of engineering systems,
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams,
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills,
• Good written and verbal communication skills,
• Professional proficiency in English,
• Ability to work in a dynamic project-driven environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace, space, defense, automotive, or other high-technology industries,
• Knowledge of ECSS, ISO, NASA standards, or comparable engineering frameworks,
• Experience with optical performance modeling and analysis tools,
• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, including MBSE and requirements management tools,
• Experience with optical imaging systems, Earth observation instruments, or remote sensing payloads,
• Experience with infrared imaging systems and components,
• Familiarity with image processing and exploitation of optical data products,
• Exposure to spacecraft integration, environmental testing, and launch campaign support,
• Experience working in international projects, consortia, or customer-facing technical roles.

What We Are Looking For

• Support in informed decisions in complex engineering environments,
• Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills,
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach to engineering challenges,
• Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and professional growth,
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and project needs,
• Passion for space technology, optical systems, and engineering excellence,
• Commitment to quality, reliability, and delivering successful mission outcomes.