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A SAR satellite maker hiring optical metrology engineers signals it is building optical imaging systems alongside its radar constellation, extending the company into a second sensing modality for sovereign customers.
Optical Engineer
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Department: Engineering /Optical Systems
Reports to: Optical Metrology and Test Lead
Employment type: Permanent
Workplace model: Hybrid (on a weekly basis)
Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)
As Optical Engineer, you will prove that ICEYE's next generation of spaceborne imaging systems performs as designed. Working side by side with the optical design and AIT teams, you will build the test methods, set-ups and measurement strategies that verify optical performance at every stage, from individual components, through alignment, to complete system ready for qualification. Your data will feed straight back into design decisions, closing the loop on the trade-offs between optical design and detector performance, and giving the team the confidence to take on more ambitious optical systems.
ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth.
ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system.
ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future.
Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Define and own the optical test and metrology strategy for the team's imaging systems, subassemblies, alignment, integration and qualification.
Design, build and maintain optical test set-ups, such as interferometric benches, MTF and image quality measurement, detector characterization benches.
Measure and verify the performance of optical systems against requirements (wavefront error, MTF, focus, distortion, boresight, radiometric response, stray light).
Support precision alignment and assembly with metrology, including dimensional measurement, tolerance verification and alignment of optics.
Plan and run environmental qualification testing (for example thermal vacuum, vibration and thermal cycling) with optical performance checks before, during and after, and analyse the results.
Develop automated test and analysis software to acquire, process and report measurement data, with traceable calibration and documented measurement uncertainty.
Turn test results into clear findings for optical designers and system engineers, so that measured performance shapes current and future designs.
Write test procedures, reports and verification evidence, and lead investigations into non-conformances together with suppliers and internal teams.
Must haves:
Experience in testing imaging optics, ideally cameras, telescopes and other precision imaging systems, across the product lifecycle from manufacturing and quality control through assembly, alignment and qualification.
Knowledge of optical measurement techniques, such as interferometry, wavefront measurements, MTF and image quality evaluation, and the set-ups behind them.
Knowledge of the detector side of the system, including focal plane and detector assemblies, and how detector performance is characterized.
Strong skills in instrument control and data analysis (for example Python or MATLAB), with a bias towards automating measurements.
Solid understanding of calibration, traceability and measurement uncertainty, and the ability to judge how far a result can be trusted.
Clear technical writing and communication, and a collaborative approach to working with design and systems engineers every day.
Nice to haves:
Experience testing space-qualified hardware, including environmental qualification such as thermal vacuum, vibration and thermal cycling.
Experience with stray light analysis or radiometric calibration.
Knowledge of satellite systems and the integration of the optical payload with satellite platforms.
Talent Attraction Screening
Hiring Manager Screening
Onsite workshop + Technical discussion
Interview with Leadership
At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.
Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way.
Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions.
See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others.
Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions.
Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift.
Have fun: What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins.
Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.
We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.
We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.
Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.
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