Optical Instruments Performance Engineer (d/f/m)

Job Description:

The Airbus business division "Optical Instruments" is a European Large System Integrator of optical instruments for applications in space. We are organized as a transnational unit with sites in Munich, Friedrichshafen, and Toulouse. Our entity comprises all key engineering disciplines, and thus provides a full end-to-end capability to develop complex optical systems, starting with early feasibility studies, followed by development, manufacturing, and testing phases, and completed by in-orbit commissioning. Our portfolio covers all classes of optical instruments, from imaging spectrometers and passive meteorological sounders, to high resolution cameras, various types of LIDARs, and sensors based on Quantum Metrology. These instruments are key payloads at the core of future space missions and systems, developed for our institutional and commercial customers.

We are currently reinforcing our growing team for "Optical Instruments Performance & Verification". As part of this team, you will prepare and shape the next generation of optical instruments in space. Your activities will include the following tasks:

1.) Performance engineering of space instruments, which includes

• performance analysis, budgeting and mathematical modelling of optical instruments
• continuous maintenance of the instrument performance budgets based on as-built parameters, in close interaction with project team and subcontractors and involving all technical disciplines
• development of data processing algorithms and tools for performance simulation and test data evaluation
• performance verification engineering, including specification, preparation and execution of instrument characterisation and calibration test campaigns
• interaction with suppliers, customers (e.g. space agencies like ESA, DLR or the European Commission) and scientific users

2.) Systems engineering of space instruments, which includes

• understanding and analysis of technical requirements, requirements breakdown to sub-systems
• evaluation of the performance for different instrument concepts, development and trade of alternative instrument concepts and design solutions
• consolidation and preliminary design of the instrument baseline

3.) Identification and development of new innovative instrument concepts and enabling technologies including instrument modelling and performance simulation.

You will be working in a dynamic multi-national environment including cross-divisional interactions with other divisions within Airbus. This will require excellent communication skills, high flexibility and agility, and a structured working style. The following assets and skills would be of particular relevance for this position:

• Academic Degree in Physics or Engineering. A Ph.D. would be welcome.
• Good understanding of optical instruments, technical optics, opto-mechanics, photonics and detection. Understanding of quantum technologies is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in development, setup, and operation of optical and photonic systems.
• Experience in the optical instrument data processing chain, starting from measurement of raw data up to the final product. Experience as user of scientific data product would be welcome.
• Advanced skills in Scientific Computing (e.g. Python skills) and proficiency in AI-assisted workflows.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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