Job Description:
The Airbus business division "Optical Instruments" is a European Large System Integrator of optical instruments for applications in space. We are organized as a transnational unit with sites in Munich, Friedrichshafen, and Toulouse. Our entity comprises all key engineering disciplines, and thus provides a full end-to-end capability to develop complex optical systems, starting with early feasibility studies, followed by development, manufacturing, and testing phases, and completed by in-orbit commissioning. Our portfolio covers all classes of optical instruments, from imaging spectrometers and passive meteorological sounders, to high resolution cameras, various types of LIDARs, and sensors based on Quantum Metrology. These instruments are key payloads at the core of future space missions and systems, developed for our institutional and commercial customers.
We are currently reinforcing our growing team for "Optical Instruments Performance & Verification". As part of this team, you will prepare and shape the next generation of optical instruments in space. Your activities will include the following tasks:
1.) Performance engineering of space instruments, which includes
- performance analysis, budgeting and mathematical modelling of optical instruments
- continuous maintenance of the instrument performance budgets based on as-built parameters, in close interaction with project team and subcontractors and involving all technical disciplines
- development of data processing algorithms and tools for performance simulation and test data evaluation
- performance verification engineering, including specification, preparation and execution of instrument characterisation and calibration test campaigns
- interaction with suppliers, customers (e.g. space agencies like ESA, DLR or the European Commission) and scientific users
2.) Systems engineering of space instruments, which includes
- understanding and analysis of technical requirements, requirements breakdown to sub-systems
- evaluation of the performance for different instrument concepts, development and trade of alternative instrument concepts and design solutions
- consolidation and preliminary design of the instrument baseline
3.) Identification and development of new innovative instrument concepts and enabling technologies including instrument modelling and performance simulation.
You will be working in a dynamic multi-national environment including cross-divisional interactions with other divisions within Airbus. This will require excellent communication skills, high flexibility and agility, and a structured working style. The following assets and skills would be of particular relevance for this position:
- Academic Degree in Physics or Engineering. A Ph.D. would be welcome.
- Good understanding of optical instruments, technical optics, opto-mechanics, photonics and detection. Understanding of quantum technologies is a plus.
- Hands-on experience in development, setup, and operation of optical and photonic systems.
- Experience in the optical instrument data processing chain, starting from measurement of raw data up to the final product. Experience as user of scientific data product would be welcome.
- Advanced skills in Scientific Computing (e.g. Python skills) and proficiency in AI-assisted workflows.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Defence and Space GmbHEmployment Type:
Permanent-------
Experience Level:
ProfessionalJob Family:
Chief Engineering & ArchitectureBy submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
Skills Required
- Academic degree in Physics or Engineering
- Good understanding of optical instruments, technical optics, opto-mechanics, photonics, and detection
- Hands-on experience developing, setting up, and operating optical and photonic systems
- Experience with optical instrument data-processing chains, from raw measurements to final products
- Advanced scientific computing skills, such as Python
- Proficiency in AI-assisted workflows
- Ph.D.
- Understanding of quantum technologies
- Experience using scientific data products
- Excellent communication skills, flexibility, agility, and structured working style
Airbus Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Airbus and has not been reviewed or approved by Airbus.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is positioned as comprehensive in several locations, including medical, dental, and vision options available from day one in the U.S. Access to life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance/wellbeing support adds breadth to the health offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is framed as a meaningful part of the package through plans such as a 401(k) with company matching in the U.S. These programs strengthen long-term financial security beyond base wages.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions are described as generous in some settings, including vacation availability from day one and extended holiday coverage. Flexible working arrangements and hybrid options further increase the perceived value of time-related benefits.
Airbus Insights
What We Do
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2020, it generated revenues of €49.9 billion and employed a workforce of around 130,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. Airbus is an international pioneer in the aerospace industry and a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to customers on a global scale. We believe that it’s not just what we make, but how we make it that counts; promoting responsible, sustainable and inclusive business practices and acting with integrity. Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place, on the ground, in the sky and in space.
