Optical ait Engineer H/F - Infinite Orbits

About the Company

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

"Orbit Guard" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO. Our first, OG-1 was launched on 1 May 2023, the second is launching in 2025 and the third third launching in 2026.

"Endurance" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.


Infinite Orbits is looking for an experienced Optical AIT Engineer to support the integration and validation of an optical payload. The role focuses on optical alignment, camera-level integration, and end-to-end optical performance verification at subsystem and satellite level.

This position requires a strong combination of optical engineering expertise, hands-on integration experience, and strict adherence to cleanroom best practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Optical Integration & Alignment

- Perform precision alignment of optical assemblies, including lens-to-detector alignment.
- Define and execute alignment procedures (focus, tilt, centering, boresight).
- Use optical metrology tools (collimators, interferometers, autocollimators, MTF benches).
- Analyze optical defects (defocus, aberrations, misalignment).

2. Camera & Payload Integration

- Supervise and support camera integration activities from an optical standpoint.
- Interface with mechanical, thermal, and electronics teams to ensure system-level consistency.
- Validate optical performance after integration (PSF, MTF, focus stability).
- Contribute to integration flow definition and optimization.

3. Verification & Testing

- Define and implement optical acceptance test procedures at:
- Unit level (sensor, lens, camera).
- Subsystem level.
- Satellite level.
- Perform optical performance characterization:
- Image quality (MTF, encircled energy, PSF).
- Radiometric checks (relative calibration).
- Straylight / ghost analysis.
- Support environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration) and assess impact on optical performance.

4. Cleanroom Operations

- Conduct all activities in controlled cleanroom environments (ISO 5-8).
- Apply strict contamination control procedures.
- Handle sensitive optical components following space-grade cleanliness standards.
- Define and enforce cleanroom best practices.

- Master's degree or PhD in:
- Optical Engineering.
- Physics (Optics specialization).
- Aerospace Engineering.
- 5+years experience in optical AIT, preferably in space or high-performance imaging systems.

Technical skills:

1. Optical Expertise

- Strong understanding of:
- Imaging systems and PSF/MTF concepts.
- Optical alignment techniques.
- Radiometry fundamentals.
- Experience with:
- Optical test equipment (collimators, interferometers, MTF benches) .
- Image quality analysis tools .

2. AIT & Cleanroom Experience

- Proven experience in:
- Cleanroom operations (ISO 5-8) .
- Handling flight hardware o Contamination control .
- Familiarity with:
- Space qualification standards (ECSS, NASA, or equivalent).