Optical Systems Engineer

SatVu is a rapidly expanding space technology company, backed by leading investors like Adara Ventures and Lockheed Martin. As the 'World's Thermometer,' we deliver high-accuracy thermal datasets from space, providing invaluable insights across sectors. Our cutting-edge technology fuels significant growth in climate, sustainability, and defence & intelligence/national security markets, with HotSat-1 launched in 2023 and HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 planned for 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, high-growth organisation at a pivotal moment in its development.

The Role

SatVu is looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to lead the comprehensive technical development of the HotSat-4 optical instrument. This position requires you to be on-site with our satellite manufacturer, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford, five days a week for the duration of the payload build.

In this role, you will be embedded within SSTL's Optical Imaging Lead and team, focusing on driving the optical architecture, delivery, and verification during an intensive hands-on build phase. After this phase, you will transition into SatVu's technical team, where your responsibilities will include consolidating design knowledge and guiding future payload strategy as we grow the constellation.

While you will receive day-to-day technical direction from SSTL's Optical Imaging Lead while on-site, your overall line management will report to SatVu's Programmes Director.

This position offers an opportunity for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic and rapidly growing company.

Key Responsibilities

Develop optical system architecture, requirements and trade studies for HotSat‑4

Perform optical design, performance analysis and verification (image quality, MTF, stray light)

Define subsystem/component specifications and oversee manufacturing and supplier activities

Hands‑on participation in integration, alignment and testing of payload optics

Maintain risk registers, mitigation plans, development schedule and budget inputs

Produce and own technical documentation required for due diligence and IP transfer (design records, requirements traceability, verification reports, build books)

Support proposal inputs and technical reviews; facilitate knowledge transfer workshops between SSTL and SatVu

Work closely within a core project team

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Degree in Optics, Physics or relevant engineering discipline

Proven experience in optical engineering applied to space or high-performance imaging systems; end to end payload experience desirable.‑performance imaging systems; end‑to‑end payload experience desirable

Hands‑on optical integration and test experience; familiarity with interferometry, MTF testing and alignment

Competence in optical design/performance tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio) and modelling (Python, SolidWorks/Ansys desirable)

Desirable Skills and Experience

You don't need to tick every box to apply—we value curiosity, learning, and the ability to add impact. These are some of the ways you may bring value:

Strong systems thinking, requirements engineering and trade study capability

Excellent written documentation skills and experience producing build/test artefacts for transfer

Collaborative team player able to work in SSTL's environment and represent SatVu professionally

Adaptable, proactive, good communicator under time pressure

Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and tight timescales A passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact

Why Join SatVu The opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's most ambitious space start-ups - developing a completely new and cutting-edge technology, for a large and accessible market

Work in a dynamic, collaborative and high-growth environment.

Collaborate with and learn from a team of experienced and talented individuals

Make a significant impact on urgent global themes—defence and climate tech

Interview Process

Initial phone screen: a 30-minute video call to learn more about you, provide details about the role, and discuss what you are looking for

First stage interview: Video call intro with SatVu's Programmes Director to discuss the role in more detail, as well as your experience. The call will last approx. 30 minutes

Technical Assessment: Interview with the with SatVu's Programmes Director and SSTL's Head of Optical Payload (approx. 60 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in-person at SSTL HQ in Guildford or via a remote video call, based on location and availability

HR Screening: Call with our People Director to discuss requirements further (approx. 30 minutes)

Final stage: Interview with Co-Founders (approx. 30 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in-person or via a remote video call, based on availability

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Share options

25 Days Holiday + Birthday Off

6 weeks Work from Anywhere

Home Office Budget

Learning and development allowance

Life insurance

Wellbeing days

Yulife perks and rewards

Generous parental leave policies

Family friendly policies

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work scheme

Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme

Contribution towards switching to a renewable energy provider at home

Regular lunch & learn sessions

Office perks; regular team lunches

As part of our pre-employment screening process, we may undertake background checks on applicants who receive an offer of employment. We have in place appropriate policies and safeguards which we are required by law to maintain when processing vetting data.

SatVu in the news

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67010377

Equality, diversity and inclusion at SatVu

SatVu is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our team. We strive to provide equality and fairness for all job applicants and employees, and never discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or physical differences. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination.

Our ambition is for our team and its Board to be representative of the diversity in society, and for every employee to feel respected and able to bring their best selves to work.