Senior Optical Engineer – Space LiDAR Payload

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.