Lead Optical Payload System Engineer

Work with the brightest minds, including ex-ISRO scientists and global space industry experts, at one of the select few companies in the country pioneering cutting edge EO payloads.

We're looking for a visionary Lead Payload & Optical Systems Engineer to spearhead the development of advanced Earth observation payloads—from initial concept to launch and in-orbit operations. In this pivotal role, you'll lead end-to-end payload architecture, optical design, integration, and system-level performance analysis, directly influencing the capabilities of our next-gen imaging systems. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership opportunity for engineers who excel at the convergence of optical innovation, systems engineering, and mission delivery.

About KaleidEO

KaleidEO, a subsidiary of SatSure, is an upstream leader in Earth Observation, building a full-stack company from India.

As an analytics-first payload innovator, we focus on building next-gen payloads tailored for industry-specific applications.

Our high-resolution, optical, multispectral payloads, equipped with edge computing and wide coverage capabilities, maximize the value generated from every pixel of satellite imagery.

Rooted in SatSure's legacy of delivering last-mile applications across sectors like Utilities, Aviation, Agriculture, BFSI and Climate Action, KaleidEO offers modular solutions for the entire EO value chain spanning payload development, launch, mission operations, and data analytics

At KaleidEO, we are committed to shaping the future of Earth Observation and putting Indian space tech on a global map, and we invite you to be part of this exciting journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of Earth observation payload development—from early-phase studies through launch and in-orbit operations.
• Define payload architecture and manage payload-level technical requirements and interfaces.
• Drive critical optical and opto-mechanical design activities, contributing hands-on where needed.
• Oversee and guide external subcontractors involved in imaging payload design and development.
• Contribute payload-level inputs to satellite system requirements, ensuring seamless integration.
• Own and maintain image quality budgets including MTF, SNR, radiometric accuracy, and GIQE.
• Collaborate with satellite platform teams to ensure payload performance is preserved in orbit, accounting for pointing, jitter, micro-vibrations, and other system-level effects.
• Plan and coordinate payload integration, verification, and testing activities at both payload and spacecraft level.
• Support launch preparations, early orbit calibration, and verification of mission performance.
• Initiate and manage de-risking activities, feasibility studies, breadboards, and technology development programs for future optical payload concepts.

Qualifications

Must haves :

Good to haves :

Benefits

Interview Process :

No of positions : 1

Expected Month of Joining : as soon as possible.

Skills Required

MTF, optical payload design, radiometric calibration, EO IR performance metrics, optical and opto-mechanical design tools, payload interfaces, SNR, mission CONOPS, NIIRS, satellite-level systems engineering, integration and testing for space applications