Camera and Optical System Engineer

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendezvous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. Our key projects include "Orbit Guard" a Smallsat capable of monitoring objects in GEO orbit, and "Endurance" a docking service extending customer satellites' lifespans by 5 years.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Camera and Optical System Engineer to join our dynamic team.

The ideal candidate will specialize in designing, developing, and qualifying advanced optical payloads for space applications, with a strong focus on opto-mechanics , electro-optics , electronics , and qualification testing in space environments. You will also play a key role to oversee quality control and ensure successful delivery.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies in a fast-paced and innovative environment, driving solutions that push the boundaries of space exploration and imaging systems.

Job Description

Technical Responsibilities

Design and Development:

Collaborate in the development of navigation and sensor hardware requirements from system level specifications with flow downs to subsystem and component levels,

Assist in the design of camera hardware architecture for space optical payloads,

Lead or perform opto-mechanical analysis, including thermal and structural impact on optical system performance,

Performance Qualification and Testing:

Contribute or lead procurement, vendor coordination, delivery, acceptance testing, installation, verification, validation, qualification, and certification of component hardware (optomechanics, electronics, optics),

Define the optical payload’s alignment procedure and performance qualification plan, leveraging optical calibration testbeds to validate resolution and alignment,

Guide and perform electro-optical characterization of CMOS image sensor,

Guide and perform environmental testing including laboratory and flight testing of the full system (shock/vibration, thermal vacuum, radiation etc) to validate top-level system performance and ensure compliance with ECSS norms and mission requirements.

Integration with Electronics and Systems:

Work closely with electronics engineers to integrate optical payloads with imaging sensors and electronic board,

Validate and optimize optical system interfaces with spacecraft systems to ensure seamless integration and functionality.

Project Management and Quality Assurance Responsibilities

Project Oversight:

Manage timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure the quality-controlled delivery of optical payloads on schedule and within scope,

Serve as a liaison between multidisciplinary teams, external suppliers, and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and effective problem resolution.

Quality Control and Acceptance Testing:

Define and implement acceptance test procedures to validate end-to-end system performance before delivery,

Oversee documentation and reporting of results from optical qualification and acceptance tests, ensuring adherence to ECSS norms and quality standards.

Requirements

Technical Skills

Strong system design, development and testing skills,

Strong understanding of opto-mechanical materials, space-grade hardware,

Proficiency in environmental testing standards and procedures (ECSS, NASA, MIL Standards), including radiation hardening,

Expertise in optical tolerance analysis (ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, or LightTools, etc)or opto-mechanical simulation for imaging systems (Soliworks, Catia, ect.)

Experience with optical calibration testbeds for optical performance and image quality characterization,

Familiarity with imaging sensors (CCD/CMOS), electronics, and their integration into optical systems.

Soft Skills

Good technical project management skills, with experience managing resources, schedules, and deliverables in a fast-paced startup environment.

Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Proactive, detail-oriented, and adaptable to the challenges of a startup environment.

Educational Background and Experience

5+ years of system engineering experience designing, integrating, testing, and qualifying space optical payloads,

Master’s, or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.

What we offer

The opportunity to be part of an international team transforming the space industry.

A creative and innovative work environment where ideas turn into reality.