Senior Optical Engineer – Space

Our client, a growing space technology startup, is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the optical development of an advanced spaceborne LiDAR payload at their Berlin office. You will work with a multidisciplinary team in Europe and the US to bring a next-generation space LiDAR system from concept to flight, leveraging heritage Earth-observation designs and adapting them for beyond-LEO and deep-space environments. The role spans the full lifecycle of the optical payload, from detailed design and supplier management to integration, alignment, testing, and flight implementation. This is a hands-on position requiring expertise in optical engineering, optomechanical integration, alignment, calibration, and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering teams. Candidates with prior spaceborne or LiDAR optical experience will be strongly preferred.