Job Description

Optical Payload Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20433

Date Posted: 25 March 2026

Closing Date: 15 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Optical Payload Engineer in the Optics Section, Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Optics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technology research and development (R&D) in optics for space applications. The Section’s activities cover the development of novel optical systems, such as spectroradiometric imaging instruments, operating from the UV to the infrared spectral range, and interferometers, including the related optical ground support equipment.

The Optics Section is responsible for developing a broad range of technologies addressing optical components and related processes, such as for polarisers, gratings, coatings, lenses, mirrors and the metrology of optical components. Significant work is also carried out on the development of technologies for the next generation of X-ray space telescopes.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies for the development of optical space payloads and instrumentation throughout all project phases;
participating in feasibility studies for optical payloads, related project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
contributing to the definition of technology development plans for the Agency’s technology programmes in the area of optical payloads;
defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
contributing to laboratory activities related to the testing and characterisation of optical components and instrumentation;
monitoring relevant scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
contributing to the dissemination of the results of technology development activities and the transfer of knowledge within the Agency.

Your duties may also include performing other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Experience with optical design, optical performance and generic data analysis and the associated software tools

Knowledge of relevant technologies for the design, manufacturing and testing of optical payloads

Knowledge of R&D trends and the industrial landscape in the field of optical payloads

Hands-on experience in assembly, integration and testing/verification of optical instruments

Experience with optical payload laboratories and testing

Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities, including participation in reviews

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master's degree in applied optics, optical engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Experience in optical component manufacturing technologies, the associated challenges and knowledge of state-of-the art performance
The ability to perform conceptual and detailed optical design and performance analysis of optical instrumentation using appropriate software tools
Knowledge of test and verification methods for optical components and optical instrumentation
Familiarity with ESA’s environment, processes, programmes and standards would be an asset
Basic knowledge of other engineering areas (such as mechanical, thermal or materials) would be considered an asset

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.