The Role
Lead the mechanical and thermal engineering function for precision optical satellite payloads. Manage a team of 3–5 engineers, set technical direction, review opto-mechanical designs and analyses, oversee STOP analysis, alignment budgets, MGSE, environmental testing, and qualification deliverables. Coordinate with systems, optical, AIT, electronics, satellite integration teams, and external partners across payload development programs.
Summary Generated by Built In
Work with the brightest minds, including ex-ISRO scientists and global space industry experts, at one of the select few companies in the country pioneering cutting edge EO payloads.
KaleidEO, a subsidiary of SatSure, is an upstream leader in Earth Observation, building a full-stack company from India.As an analytics-first payload innovator, we focus on building next-gen payloads tailored for industry-specific applications.
Our high-resolution, optical, multispectral payloads, equipped with edge computing and wide coverage capabilities, maximize the value generated from every pixel of satellite imagery.
Rooted in SatSure’s legacy of delivering last-mile applications across sectors like Utilities, Aviation, Agriculture, BFSI and Climate Action, KaleidEO offers modular solutions for the entire EO value chain spanning payload development, launch, mission operations, and data analytics
KaleidEO is looking for a Lead Opto-Mechanical to own and lead our mechanical and thermal engineering function. You will build and manage a team of 3 - 5 engineers, set technical direction, drive delivery across multiple programs, and be the principal interface between mechanical/thermal engineering and all other disciplines. You will be hands-on where it matters - reviewing designs, resolving critical technical risks, and supporting key design reviews - but your primary responsibility is enabling your team to deliver, not executing all the work yourself.
Responsibilities:
- Team leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of 3-5 mechanical and thermal engineers.
- Own work package assignment, technical reviews, and delivery commitments for the team.
- Conduct 1:1s, support career development, and contribute to hiring and performance reviews.
- Build team capability through mentorship, structured learning, and documentation standards.
- Team Ownership & Direction
- Set the technical direction for opto-mechanical and thermal engineering across all payload programs.
- Own design standards, analysis methodologies, and toolchain (Siemens NX, Ansys) for the team.
- Review and approve critical designs, FEA results, STOP analyses, and thermal budgets.
- Ensure all deliverables meet flight qualification requirements and schedule commitments.
- Program & partner Interface
- Serve as the primary technical interface to payload development partners for the mechanical and thermal scope.
- Represent mechanical and thermal engineering in design reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, IRR).
- Coordinate with the satellite/bus integration team on payload mechanical and thermal ICDs.
- Collaborate with Systems, Optical, AIT, and Electronics teams to resolve cross-discipline integration issues.
- Hands-on Technical Contributions
- STOP analysis oversight - lead the structural-thermal-optical coupling analysis for major programs.
- MGSE design review - approve all ground support equipment before fabrication release.
- Environmental test strategy - define TVAC and vibration test approach; review test data and disposition anomalies.
- Alignment budget - own the system-level opto-mechanical alignment budget and manage it through the program lifecycle.
Required
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical, Aerospace, or closely related engineering discipline.
- 8-10+ years of experience in mechanical and/or thermal engineering for precision optical instruments.
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience leading an engineering team - including work allocation, technical reviews, and mentorship.
- Proven track record leading a team through at least one full development cycle of a precision optical instrument or system (from design through integration and qualification).
- Hands-on proficiency in Siemens NX for CAD, FEA (structural + thermal), and drawing release.
- Demonstrated experience in performing FEA - model simplification, simulation, and analysis. Specifically for optical-structural performance for static deformations, modal analysis, and thermal deformation.
- Experience with opto-mechanical design: mirror/lens mounts, metering structures, alignment interfaces, tolerance analysis.
- Experience managing external partner/vendor deliverables and reviewing partner design packages.
Strongly Preferred
- Experience designing for space environments: launch loads, vacuum, thermal cycling (LEO).
- Experience with precision optical payload development: telescopes, cameras, imaging spectrometers.
- STOP analysis experience - structural deflection and thermal distortion impact on WFE, image plane, and MTF.
- Experience in planning and executing environmental qualification test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock) and reviewing test data with model correlation.
Good to Have
- Familiarity with ANSYS for complementary FEA or thermal analysis.
- Experience with composite structures, precision kinematic mounts, or flexure mechanisms.
- Basic knowledge of optical design (Zemax) to improve cross-team collaboration.
Benefits
- Medical Health Cover for you and your family including unlimited online doctor consultations.
- We believe family comes first. That’s why we offer Maternity, Paternity, Marriage and Bereavement Leave, so you can be there when it matters most.
- Opportunities to present at international conferences and events.
- Access to mental health experts for you and your family.
- Dedicated allowances for learning and skill development.
Interview Process
- Introductory call
- Technical problem solving
- Interview rounds (ideally up to 2 rounds)
- Culture Round / HR round
Number of Positions:1
Expected Month of Joining: Immediate
Skills Required
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a closely related engineering discipline
- 8–10+ years of mechanical and/or thermal engineering experience for precision optical instruments
- 3+ years of experience leading an engineering team, including work allocation, technical reviews, and mentorship
- Led a team through at least one complete development cycle of a precision optical instrument or system, from design through integration and qualification
- Hands-on proficiency with Siemens NX for CAD, FEA, and drawing release
- Experience performing FEA, including model simplification, simulation, and analysis of static deformation, modal behavior, and thermal deformation
- Experience with opto-mechanical design, including mirror and lens mounts, metering structures, alignment interfaces, and tolerance analysis
- Experience managing external partner or vendor deliverables and reviewing partner design packages
- Experience designing for space environments, including launch loads, vacuum, and LEO thermal cycling
- Experience with precision optical payload development, such as telescopes, cameras, or imaging spectrometers
- STOP analysis experience involving structural deflection and thermal distortion impacts on WFE, image plane, and MTF
- Experience planning and executing environmental qualification test campaigns, including TVAC, vibration, shock, and model correlation
- Familiarity with ANSYS for complementary FEA or thermal analysis
- Experience with composite structures, precision kinematic mounts, or flexure mechanisms
- Basic knowledge of optical design using Zemax
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The Company
What We Do
SatSure is a deep-tech decision-intelligence company working at the intersection of agriculture, infrastructure, and climate action. It transforms satellite data into actionable insights that enable faster, smarter, and more responsible decisions, particularly in underserved regions. The company applies geospatial intelligence and advanced analytics to complex real-world challenges, supporting more informed choices across sectors while contributing to sustainable development and climate resilience worldwide.
