Optical Engineer

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to complete our consultants Workforce Management Service to support the Optics, Robotics and Life Science Division of the European Space Agency (ESA) at their location in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

The purpose of this Service is to support ground and space payload, spacecraft and launcher development projects, including but not limited to concurrent design activities, industry technical follow‑up, design review participation and shadow engineering. The Service will also provide support in technology development activities.

The Optical Engineer will work within the Optics Section, which provides functional support to ESA missions and carries out research and development activities in optics for space applications. The Section’s work covers the development of novel optical systems such as spectro‑radiometric imaging instruments operating from the UV to the infrared, passive optical instrumentation, interferometric systems, and the related optical ground equipment. In addition, the Optics Section is responsible for advancing technologies related to optical components and processes, including polarisers, gratings, coatings, polishing methodologies and high‑precision optical metrology, as well as supporting the development of enabling technologies for future X‑ray space telescopes.

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at the interview stage). 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to: 

• Support R&D activities related to the development of passive optical space instruments, novel optical subsystems and components and concepts; 

• Define requirements, design, tolerance and analyse the performance of optical instruments using respective software tools such as OpticStudio, Code-V, ASAP, FRED, Rayjack1; 

• Support project reviews for optical instruments such as imagers, spectrometers, polarimeters; 

• Provide expert technical support to ESA projects and studies in the area of optical engineering in all project phases; 

• Identify critical development problems and assisting in their resolution; 

• Define and follow-up on instrument on-ground test and calibration activities and in-orbit commissioning;

• Support the evaluation of procurement proposals. 

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap, or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment.