Optical Payload Expert

Package Description

At Serco, our core values drive everything we do, and we believe in fairly compensating our colleagues for the value they bring to our organization. We are proud to offer a total reward package at Serco which includes: 

• Competitive monthly pay and allowances that are commensurate with the role and industry standards 
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage and life insurance, so our employees can feel secure in their health and financial wellbeing 
• We recognize the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer competitive leave benefits that exceed industry standards 
• We offer an annual airfare allowance to support our expat colleagues to stay in touch and visit their loved ones 
• We pride ourselves on providing a supportive work environment where we foster a positive Safety-First culture 
• We care deeply about our colleagues' wellbeing and offer access to wellbeing programs and platforms to support their physical, mental, and emotional health. 
• As a global organization, we offer a vast array of career paths for our employees to choose from. The scale and breadth of our organization provides our colleagues with opportunities for growth and variety in their career path, both regionally and globally. 

Job Introduction

Make a difference every day 

We are a multinational organisation with a global team of 50,000 colleagues. In the Middle East we operate in the Transport, Defence & Advisory sectors, delivering services in Asset Management, Customer Experience, Fire & Rescue and Air Navigation Services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services to fulfil our purpose to impact a better future by "Bringing National Visions to Life".  

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 60 years history in the space sector, Serco is well placed to contribute to national strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.

On behalf of our client in the United Arab Emirates, we are looking for a skilled Optical Payload Expert to join our organisation in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. This remarkable role offers a unique opportunity to work on several exciting projects in the region.

This role will provide technical expertise and leadership in the design, development, and integration of optical systems for satellite applications under various space programs. Also exists to provide effective decision-making information to the organisation.

The Optical Payload Expert will be responsible for working in an open, collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, in active cooperation with other staff of our client organization and government entities, as well as in cooperation with industry and research communities.

Main Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities :

• Provide optical payload expert technical guidance and solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept development to on-orbit operations and maintenance.
• Coordinate the definition of the payload interface requirements, between payload and other system elements based on industry standards and user needs, ensuring alignment with mission objectives.
• Define requirements and specifications for optical payloads based on industry standards and user needs, considering factors such as imaging resolution, spectral bands, and mission objectives.
• Lead the design and development of customized optical payload solutions, utilizing expertise in optical system design, integration, and testing to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to relevant needs.
• Support with the preparation and evaluation of industrial procurement activities.
• Support with the preparation and execution of instrument commissioning.
• Conduct performance analysis, simulations, and modelling to optimize optical system parameters such as resolution, sensitivity, and spectral range for specific mission requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation to communicate design rationale, test results, and performance evaluations to project team.
• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for optical system verification and validation, including environmental testing, calibration, and on-orbit performance evaluation, ensuring compliance with user specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct feasibility studies and trade-off analyses to optimize optical payload designs for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay abreast of advancements in optical technologies, industry trends, and emerging space mission requirements, sharing insights and recommendations with other system elements.

Successful Candidate

Experience:

• At least 7 years in designing and developing optical payloads for satellites.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

Skills:

• Understanding of satellite systems, space environment, and payload integration requirements.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Familiarity with the design, development, and qualification of optical hardware.
• Experience with multiple Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling tools for optical system analysis (e.g., Zemax, Code V).
• Strong hands-on skills in optical component fabrication, testing, and characterization for space-based applications.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.

About the Company

At Serco, we believe there is a place here for everyone. A place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day. Our workplace culture is one that embraces diversity and fosters equity, respect, and belonging for every individual. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive environment that proudly celebrates the perspectives and backgrounds that each of our employees bring to work every day. 

Join Serco and be part of a values-driven organization that invests in the development and well-being of its employees and offers a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Serco is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities and is committed to ensuring the safety of all of its employees through its Zero Harm initiative. Please visit www.serco.com/careers for more information.
 

We are diverse and inclusive organisation

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.

We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.

In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team