At SATLANTIS France, we develop cutting-edge Earth Observation technologies, specializing in high-resolution optical payloads for small satellites across civil and defense markets.
As an Optical Space Instrument Architect, you will play a key role in shaping the technological vision of the company, leading the design and evolution of advanced optical instruments that will define the next generation of satellite imaging systems.
- A key role at the core of technological strategy: You will directly influence the direction of optical payload development and long-term innovation.
- End-to-end impact on space systems: From early architecture to in-orbit performance, your decisions will shape real satellite missions.
- High level of technical ownership and autonomy: You will drive architectural choices, trade-offs, and system-level decisions with real decision-making authority.
- Opportunity to evolve toward technical leadership (CTO path): This role offers a natural progression into broader transversal leadership across the organization.
- Deeptech environment with real complexity: You will work on challenging problems combining optics, systems engineering, and industrial constraints.
- Collaboration with a highly skilled international team: You will work alongside experts across disciplines in a demanding and inspiring environment.
- Strong growth context: Join a company scaling its industrial maturity and expanding its impact in Europe.
- Quality of life in the French Basque coast: Based in Bidart, you will combine cutting-edge space engineering with an exceptional living environment.
Your mission will be to define, structure, and lead the architecture of optical space instruments, ensuring performance, coherence, and long-term technological alignment.
By combining deep technical expertise with strategic vision, you will enable the development of robust, high-performance payloads aligned with both industrial and mission needs.
You will:
- You will define and drive the technological roadmap for optical payloads and associated systems.
- You will lead system and instrument architecture, including optical design, performance budgets, and technical trade-offs.
- You will ensure coherence between instrument design, satellite interfaces, and in-orbit performance.
- Strong expertise in optical instrumentation and space systems: Your experience in optics, system architecture, and satellite engineering will allow you to lead complex instrument developments with confidence.
- Proven experience in space or optical system development: Your background in designing and delivering space systems will help you navigate technical and industrial challenges.
- System-level thinking and performance-driven mindset: Your ability to manage budgets, calibration, integration, and qualification will ensure robust and reliable designs.
- Ability to define and execute a technological vision: You will align engineering decisions with long-term strategy and business objectives.
- Experience working in complex environments: Your ability to operate across multiple projects, partners, and constraints (cost, schedule, quality) will be key to success.
- Technical leadership and mentoring mindset: You will support and structure engineering teams, elevating technical rigor and best practices.
- Strong communication skills in English and French: You will collaborate with international, institutional, and industrial stakeholders.
- Experience with Earth Observation systems or image processing chains: This will help you bring an end-to-end vision of payload performance and data exploitation.
- Knowledge of institutional and defense programs: Familiarity with ESA, CNES, DGA, or similar frameworks will strengthen your impact in bidding and partnerships.
- Experience in proposal preparation and consortium building: Your ability to structure technical proposals will contribute to winning strategic projects.
- Additional expertise in electronics, detectors, or instrument mechanics: This will reinforce your understanding of full instrument architecture and interfaces.
- Experience representing organizations in technical forums: Engaging with partners and stakeholders will amplify your influence and leadership.
Ready to shape the future of satellite imaging?
If you are driven by technical excellence, system-level thinking, and the ambition to lead complex space developments, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Apply now and join SATLANTIS France in building the next generation of Earth observation systems.
