Senior Electro-Optical Characterization Scientist

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you passionate about scientific innovation and advanced optical technologies? We're looking for a Senior Electro-Optical Characterization Scientist to join our aerospace team and lead the characterization, testing, and performance evaluation of cutting-edge optical payloads for space applications.

Working alongside multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, you'll develop measurement methodologies, generate high-quality performance data, and ensure our electro-optical systems meet the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and mission success.

If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges and want to help shape the next generation of space-based imaging technologies, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Type: Fulltime

Remote Opportunity: No

Report To: Production Manager

Location: Somerset West, Western Cape

Job Purpose:

Characterize and verify the performance of in-house developed and manufactured imaging systems through rigorous electro-optical testing, data analysis, and scientific investigation. Provide technical insight into product, process, and supplier-related performance variations to ensure manufactured systems consistently meet specified quality and operational requirements.

Responsibilities:

Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with various teams.

• Participate in regular meetings to ensure alignment and coordination in matters of characterization interest

Imager Characterization and Verification

• Execute characterization campaigns for production imagers.

• Conduct end-to-end performance assessments and optimizations of characterisation processes.

• Measure and analyze electro-optical performance parameters including radiometric, spectral, geometric, and image-quality characteristics.

• Verify compliance with product specifications and customer requirements.

• Investigate performance deviations and determine root causes of anomalies.

• Generate characterization reports and performance certification data packages.

Production Support

• Analyze characterization data to identify and correct any discrepancies or errors that may influence performance

• Provide technical support to Production during assembly, integration, and test activities.

• Monitor product performance trends across manufactured units.

• Identify manufacturing-induced variations affecting imager performance.

• Recommend process improvements to improve yield, repeatability, and product quality.

• Support non-conformance investigations and corrective actions.

Characterization Instrumentation Support

• Ensure the scientific accuracy of data collected by instruments.

• Support calibration activities and measurement uncertainty analysis.

• Regularly update and maintain instrument characterization and documentation

Data Quality Assurance

• Perform data quality assurance analysis to ensure the integrity and reliability of scientific data.

• Maintain performance databases and trend analyses for production decision-making.

• Implement quality control measures and guideline standards to maintain high data quality

Incoming Inspection

• Validate supplier-provided performance data for optical, spectral, and detector components.

• Characterize incoming components where necessary to assess compliance and integration impact.

• Evaluate the influence of component variability on system-level performance.

• Support supplier quality investigations through quantitative performance analysis.

Documentation and Compliance

• Ensure all characterization processes are thoroughly documented and comply with relevant standards and regulations.

• Maintain clear and detailed records of characterization activities and results through reporting and other strategies.

Technical Leadership

• Drive improvements in characterization capability, test efficiency, and measurement accuracy.

• Identify opportunities to automate data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.

• Share performance insights with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.

• Contribute to lessons learned and knowledge management initiatives.

• Mentor and Support members of the characterization team

Innovation and Learning

• Continuously refine and optimize characterization techniques to address environmental variables and internal factors that could introduce errors. Techniques such as image processing, mathematical modelling, spectroscopy, radiometric and geometric characterization and earth-sensor characterization are crucial.

• Keep abreast of the latest advancements in characterization technologies and methodologies. This includes exploring innovative approaches like machine learning algorithms for real-time characterization adjustments

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Honors Degree /Post graduate Diploma in Physics, Engineering or related field.

Required Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in astronomical/imaging/sensor instrumentation calibration, with a preference for experience in space missions.

• Proven track record in managing characterization plans for both ground-based and in-flight activities

• Experience leading technical teams and providing mentorship to junior engineers

Recommendations:

• Master’s Degree in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.

• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.

• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips

• A competitive salary

• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV.