Optical AIT Engineer

Job description

ROLE HIGHLIGHTS: - Title: AIT Engineer – Optical Systems - Department: Global Manufacturing Organization - Reports to: Head of MAITE, Optics - Location: Warsaw, Poland - Type of Contract: Permanent - Working model: On-site - Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required) ABOUT THE ROLE ICEYE is seeking an AIT Engineer to support the assembly, integration, and testing of satellite systems, including the integration of optical payloads into the spacecraft platform. This is a hands-on technical role in an early-stage production environment, where systems are still evolving and processes are not yet fully defined. You will work directly with flight hardware in cleanroom conditions, supporting the assembly, integration, and testing of the satellite bus, as well as the integration and validation of optical payloads provided by external suppliers. You will contribute to bringing the full satellite system from design into production, ensuring that optical payloads are successfully integrated with the satellite platform (bus), and that the system can be built, tested, and scaled reliably. This includes supporting troubleshooting and continuous improvement during production ramp-up. WHO WE ARE ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth. ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system. ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future. Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Execute assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of satellite subsystems and optical payloads - Perform optical alignment and integration activities (focus, tilt, centering, boresight) using precision equipment - Conduct hands-on inspection, assembly, and verification of satellite hardware in cleanroom environments - Support integration of externally supplied optical payloads into the satellite system - Identify, contain, and drive root cause analysis of non-conformances; implement corrective actions and feedback into design and production processes - Define and execute test and verification activities, including integration and acceptance testing at subsystem and system level - Support optical and system-level performance validation - Define, develop, and maintain process plans, procedures, and technical documentation, supporting implementation and continuous improvement of manufacturing and integration processes - Contribute to AIT process definition and improvement, enabling scalable production - Interface with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to ensure system-level integration - Collaborate with external suppliers during payload integration and validation - Support setup of tooling, fixtures, and test setups (GSE) required for production - Apply system-level understanding to anticipate integration risks across subsystems and ensure successful builds WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR MUST HAVE - 3+ years of hands-on experience in integration, testing, or production of complex hardware systems, with relevant experience in optical systems, optomechanics, physics, or other high-precision hardware - Hands-on experience with optical systems integration and alignment (focus, tilt, centering, boresight) - Experience working with optical payloads or Earth Observation systems - Familiarity with optical metrology tools (e.g. interferometers, collimators, optical benches, MTF setups) - Good system-level understanding across multiple disciplines (optical, mechanical, electrical) - Experience working with precision hardware in cleanroom environments - Experience working in structured production environments (e.g. MES or similar systems) - Strong troubleshooting skills with structured root cause analysis - Ability to analyze and interpret test data to support integration and validation activities - Experience developing or working with process plans and technical documentation - Ability to work in fast-paced and evolving production environments - Proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving - Strong written and spoken English communication skills NICE TO HAVE - Experience supporting environmental testing (e.g. thermal vacuum, vibration) - Experience working with external suppliers or partners - Experience supporting systems from prototype through production ramp-up - Experience working in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environments APPLICATION PROCESS - Talent Acquisition Interview - Hiring Manager General Interview - Technical Interview (onsite or virtual), including a Technical Challenge - Hiring Team + Director-level Interview - Offer Decision WORKING AT ICEYE At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win. HOW WE WORK (OUR VALUES) Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way. - Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions. - See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others. - Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions. - Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift. - Have fun: What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins. BENEFITS Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process. Base salary range for this position is dependent on experience, and will be negotiated individually. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help. Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com http://iceye.com.