Senior Optical Systems Engineer

about us

Creotech Instruments S.A. is a Polish manufacturer and integrator of satellites and satellite systems. Using our proprietary HyperSat platform, we design, manufacture, integrate and test satellites, and also support their launch and in-orbit operations. We carry out advanced space programmes, including in the fields of Earth observation for defence and dual-use applications, space situational awareness, and enhancing the resilience of navigation systems. We have our own electronics manufacturing facility and a small satellite integration facility certified by the European Space Agency (ESA). Since 2022, we have been listed on the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange as the first Polish company in the space technology sector. Join the team that is building Poland’s space capabilities.

what we’re looking for

Creotech Instruments S.A. is seeking a Senior Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical instruments and payloads for space applications. In this role, you will drive system-level engineering activities across the full project lifecycle, working closely with multidisciplinary teams, customers, and suppliers to deliver high-performance space systems. This position offers significant technical ownership, exposure to cutting-edge space missions, and the opportunity to shape the future of spaceborne optical technologies. The role can be based in Kraków or Warsaw, Poland, with the option of partial remote work.

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Key Responsibilities:

Monitor optical systems engineering activities of optical instruments and payloads throughout the full project lifecycle, from mission and user needs analysis, system architecture definition, requirements engineering, trade-off studies, implementation, integration, verification, validation, and operational support. Translate customer and observation requirements into technical solutions and ensure complete requirements traceability and compliance,
Serve as the technical authority for optical payloads, overseeing instrument design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and operational performance. Define and manage technical budgets including optical performance, SNR, MTF, pointing accuracy, stability, data volume, and data rate budgets, while conducting engineering analyses, simulations, and feasibility assessments to support key design decisions,
Provide technical leadership and supplier management for optical payload subcontractors and external partners by evaluating technical solutions, defining Statements of Work, reviewing technical documentation and data packages, conducting supplier assessments and audits, and ensuring compliance with project requirements and industry standards,
Drive project execution by identifying technical risks, developing mitigation strategies, resolving engineering challenges, anticipating bottlenecks, and ensuring timely delivery of project objectives. Support major project milestones and reviews, including PDR, CDR, TRR, qualification, acceptance, and operational readiness activities,
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including optics, mechanics, electronics, software, image processing, ground segment, and mission operations engineers to ensure successful system development, integration, commissioning, and long-term operational performance. Support anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement activities,
Contribute to business development and customer engagement activities by supporting proposal preparation, technical bid responses, solution definition, customer meetings, technical reviews, and project workshops. Effectively communicate technical recommendations, project status, risks, and engineering outcomes to internal and external stakeholders,
Mentor and support less experienced engineers, contribute to recruitment and onboarding activities, promote engineering best practices, and actively participate in the continuous improvement of tools, processes, methodologies, and technical capabilities across the organization.