Optical Payload Architect. Hybrid

At Indra Group, we develop space technology for the missions of the future.

We drive satellite, Earth observation, communications, and space defense programs, participating in projects that push the boundaries of technological innovation and knowledge.

💻 Join our team working on national and international projects!

We are looking for an Optical Payload Architect with experience in optical payload architecture, payload procurement, subcontractor management, and payload performance analysis for Earth Observation space missions to join projects focused on the definition, development, and delivery of next-generation Earth Observation (EO) payloads, ensuring mission performance while meeting cost, schedule, and risk objectives.

💡 What will you do?

• Act as the technical authority for optical payloads within spacecraft programs.

• Define and manage system-level payload requirements and ensure alignment with mission objectives.

• Lead payload procurement activities and coordinate subcontractor technical performance and deliverables.

• Drive end-to-end payload performance analysis, modelling, and verification throughout the mission lifecycle.

• Evaluate optical payload designs at system level, ensuring compliance with performance, schedule, cost, and risk targets.

🎯 What are we looking for? (Only mandatory ones. ideally up to 6)

Don't worry if you don't meet 100% of the requirements. We encourage you to apply, learn more about our opportunity, and show us what you can bring to the team.

• Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Proven experience in payload procurement and subcontractor management.

• Strong knowledge of optical imaging principles, detectors, and calibration, with the ability to evaluate subcontractor designs at system level.

• Experience with payload performance modelling and analysis tools such as Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python, and STK.

• Familiarity with space mission lifecycles and standards including ECSS, NASA, and ISO.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

🚀 What do we offer?

• Innovative, high-impact projects: Work with cutting-edge technologies on projects with both national and international impact.

• A career plan tailored to you: Designed to support your professional growth and development.

• Autonomy and flexibility: Freedom to organize your work, with a healthy work-life balance adapted to your needs.

• Stability and long-term opportunities: Join a leading company with more than 60,000 professionals and strong financial stability.

• Annual vacation days plus additional personal leave days.

• Open and transparent work environment: Enjoy direct communication with managers and colleagues in a collaborative setting.

• Continuous learning: Access training through Open University and Udemy for Business (more than 6,000 courses available).

• Employee discounts and benefits: Enjoy special offers on gyms, restaurants, retail stores, leisure activities, and much more.

• Corporate shuttle service with different routes connecting work centers located outside Madrid city (only applicable where relevant).

🕓 What does our recruitment process look like?

• Profile review: We assess your experience and skills to determine your fit for the role.

• Initial phone conversation (5–10 minutes): If you receive a call from an unknown number, it may be us! A brief conversation to get to know you and answer any questions.

• Talent Acquisition interview: An opportunity for you to get to know us better—our values, career model, skills framework, and culture—while we explore whether there's a mutual fit.

• Technical interview: Meet the team, learn more about the project and day-to-day responsibilities, and discuss your technical expertise. Short assessments in English and competencies may also be conducted if required.

• Offer and onboarding: If everything goes well, you'll join our team and begin this exciting new chapter with us!

Estimated hiring process duration: 2–3 weeks.

As a company, we view equality as a cross-cutting principle and a driver of social change. We are committed to equal treatment and opportunities for all, non-discrimination, pay equity, and work-life balance.

This commitment is reflected in fostering respectful and inclusive workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity, can grow professionally, and has equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and career progression, free from discrimination based on gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, marital status, or any other personal or social circumstance.

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