Payload Product Owner – Optical Expert (W/M)

Payload Product Owner – Optical Expert

(W/M)

Join ABSOLUT SENSING and help shape the future of climate monitoring technologies

At ABSOLUT SENSING, we develop key technologies needed to monitor, understand, and ultimately predict climate change. Through projects that combine technological innovation and environmental impact, we offer a dynamic work environment where every contribution matters.

Our primary mission:

To reduce global methane emissions through a satellite monitoring service accessible to regulators and emitters worldwide.

What we offer :

A stimulating technical challenge

Joining ABSOLUT SENSING means working on complex and innovative projects to develop solutions that address the urgent challenges of global warming. Here, every technological breakthrough has a measurable impact in protecting our planet.

Versatility and personal impact

You will have the opportunity to explore diverse challenges, beyond traditional skill silos. Curiosity and adaptability are valued—being a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ is part of our team’s DNA.

A culture of the best idea

Here, it’s not about hierarchy or status, but the strength of ideas. The best solution wins, no matter who brought it to the table that’s how we move forward together.

An agile and accessible environment

We believe in a streamlined organization, short cycles, and fluid interactions. This setup fosters responsiveness and constructive feedback, enabling us to quickly adapt to the critical needs of our mission.

A committed and caring team

You’ll join a close-knit team united by a shared mission that goes beyond individual interests: combining technical excellence with human ethics in a collaborative setting. Everyone can realize their full potential, free from ego or unnecessary barriers, working together toward a single goal: reducing methane emissions, anticipating extreme events, and protecting the most at risk populations.

Why join us?

At ABSOLUT SENSING, every idea counts, and every project makes an impact. Join us to advance science and technology while fighting climate change. Together, we are building a sustainable future.

ABOUT THE JOB :

As part of the software team, you will participate in the development of the mission center and processing center for our satellite constellation.

Your responsibilities :

As part of a low Earth orbit Earth observation programme, you will be responsible for defining, modelling and validating the optical architecture of a payload comprising an IR optical chain integrated into a constrained LEO environment (thermal, vibrations, contamination, radiation).

This position requires advanced expertise in physical optics, spectroscopy and space instrument architecture. Significant experience in mission environments would be an advantage.

1. Optical Architecture & Design

• Take charge of the overall optical architecture of the IR spectrometric payload currently undergoing industrialisation. Liaise with suppliers for the instrument part, including IR detector (MCT, InGaAs), focal planes, grating, telescope (make or buy strategy already advanced), and integrate it into a complex optical path.
• Model optical performance (MTF, optical range, diffraction lobes, network efficiencies).

2. Performance & budget analysis

• Build and manage budgets: radiometric, spectral (resolution, FWHM, dispersion), geometric, SNR, QE, distortions.
• Contribute to straylight analysis and the establishment of an E2E simulator, used to establish mission/system requirements and Conops.
• Identify performance drivers and margins.

3. Definition of instrumental specifications

• Establish optical and functional specifications, in conjunction with the systems team for PDR and CDR payload reviews.
• Define requirements for the mechanical, electronic and software teams.
• Contribute to industrial specifications and bid analysis.

4. Modelling and validation

• Create optical models using Zemax OpticStudio, Code V or equivalent.
• Simulate optical system vs. spectrometer couplings (distortion, stability, smear).
• Prepare system performance models up to the detected image or spectrum.
• Regularly liaise with the image processing team (Ground Segment).

5. Industrial monitoring & testing

• Participate in the industrial development of the flight model in conjunction with the PM and the system team.
• Analyse tests : optical alignment, spectral/radiometric calibration benches, thermal & vibration tests, end-to-end functional tests.

6. Flight test campaign – Operations

• Lead the satellite Cal/Val campaign.
• Provide operational support for the flight demonstrator pilot activities (launched in January 2025).

7. Technology watch & innovation

• Lead a Phase A R&D programme
• Propose improvements or innovative building blocks (advanced networks, diffractive optics, miniaturisation solutions).
• Perform trade-off analyses between several optical concepts.

PROFIL :

• PhD or engineering degree in optics, physics, photonics, space instrumentation or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in optical design of space instruments or IR spectrometers.
• Proven experience in defining instrumental architecture for a space mission.
• Experience with LEO missions or scanning payloads is a major asset.

Required qualities

• Ability to take charge of end-to-end architecture.
• Fluid communication with multidisciplinary teams.
• Analytical mind and scientific rigour.

Studies show that women and minorities often hesitate to apply unless they meet all the criteria. If this role interests you, please apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement ! We’re looking for real people, not perfection !