Lead Engineer EO/IR Payloads Ground & Space

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Architect end-to-end EO/IR imaging systems across the VIS, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR bands for ground surveillance and space remote sensing
• Integrate multi-spectral telescopes, cooled/uncooled thermal cores, laser rangefinders (LRF) and optical bench assemblies with optical and mechanical teams
• Select and integrate CMOS/CCD, InGaAs SWIR and cooled MWIR/LWIR focal plane arrays, and define readout electronics and interfaces (Camera Link, CoaXPress, SpaceWire)
• Lead environmental qualification: MIL-STD-810G / MIL-STD-461 / JSS 55555 for ground systems, and ISRO/IEEE/ECSS standards for space payloads (TVAC, random vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
• Carry out radiometric, geometric and spectral calibration using blackbodies, integrating spheres, collimators and MTF test stations, and measure NETD, MRTD, MTF and SNR
• Oversee thermal-optical performance and athermalization, including TEC and Stirling cryogenic coolers for IR sensors
• Work with software, hardware and systems teams on real-time video processing, Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) algorithms and image stabilization
• Liaise with defence R&D labs (DRDO, ISRO, defence PSUs)

Required Skills & Experience

• 5 9 years of direct experience designing, assembling, aligning and testing EO/IR systems, thermal imaging cameras or spaceborne remote sensing payloads
• Working knowledge of Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, LightTools or Ansys Speos for ray tracing, stray light or radiometric analysis
• Hands-on experience with IR collimators, autocollimators, blackbodies, interferometers, beam profilers and wavefront sensors
• Strong background in MIL-STD environmental testing for defence ground systems or space qualification testing for satellite payloads
• Proficiency in Python / MATLAB for EO performance modelling (DRI/range calculations, NETD, MTF) and automated test bench control

Desirable

• Exposure to stabilized gimbal payloads, UAV EO/IR pods, counter-drone optical tracking, or spaceborne telescope calibration (e.g., Cartosat, OceanSat, CubeSat payloads)
• Familiarity with active electro-optics such as LRFs, laser designators or Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs)
  
• Identify, target and build relationships with Tier-1 global defence and aerospace OEMs in the US, Europe and advanced APAC, helping them diversify their supply chains
• Pitch design-to-build and build-to-spec capabilities, including FPGA/RTL co-design, VPX/cPCI COTS boards, EW subsystems, simulators and custom ATEs
• Identify, appoint and manage in-country consultants and representatives with access to procurement boards and engineering decision-makers
• Conduct Remote Factory Walk-Ins for overseas engineering leaders, showcasing manufacturing, testing infrastructure and cleanrooms
• Work with engineering, programme management and estimating teams to respond to RFQs and EOIs from international primes
• Represent the company at international aerospace and defence exhibitions and trade missions to build visibility and generate qualified leads

Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Electronics, Telecommunications or Avionics (an MBA is an added advantage)
• 5 10 years of total experience, with at least 3 5 years in international business development, technical sales or account management in the Defence, Aerospace or High-Reliability Electronics sector
• Good understanding of embedded systems, military electronics standards (MIL-STD), radar/EW architectures and hardware-software co-development
• Proven track record of managing accounts or building partnerships in Western markets (Europe/US) or advanced technology hubs
• Excellent English communication and negotiation skills, with experience giving high-level technical presentations to engineering leadership and procurement executives

What We Offer

• The chance to lead international growth for one of India’s fastest-growing defence electronics companies, moving from domestic programmes to multi-year global supply contracts
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and in-house R&D and manufacturing teams

Preferred candidate profile

How to Apply