SENIOR AIT ENGINEER - OPTICAL PAYLOADS

About Us

Join a team that is redefining the accessibility of space. Azista space is a transformative force in the global aerospace sector, uniquely positioned at the intersection of indigenous innovation and industrial scalability. Operating Indias first private-sector satellite mass-production facility in Ahmedabad, we have bridged the gap between complex engineering and high-volume manufacturing.

As a vertically integrated leader, we provide end-to-end solutions from the precision design of satellite buses and advanced payloads to mission management and communication systems. We dont just build hardware, we are democratizing the final frontier by providing global clientele with the cost-effective, high-performance technology needed to power the next generation of orbital missions. At Azista, you won't just be starting a job, youll be fuelling the future of space exploration.

Role Overview:

This senior-level role leads the Assembly, Integration, Alignment, and Testing (AIT) of advanced spaceborne optical payloads for Earth observation and remote sensing missions. The role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across optical engineering, mechanical systems, electronics, avionics, and systems engineering to ensure mission-critical payload performance meets stringent space qualification and mission requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Lead AIT (Assembly, Integration & Testing) activities for electro-optical payloads, including precision optical alignment, calibration, integration and verification.
• Define and execute comprehensive test procedures including:
• Image quality characterization (MTF, EFL, distortion analysis, wavefront error).
• Environmental qualification testing (Thermal Vacuum TVAC, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC)
• Radiometric calibration and spectral calibration
• Develop and implement high-precision optical alignment methodologies using:
• Interferometers
• Theodolites
• Autocollimators
• Alignment telescopes
• Collimators
• Develop and implement focal plane alignment techniques using collimators and precision opto-mechanical tooling.
• Support design and development teams in defining AIT requirements, verification strategies, validation plans, and performance budgets.
• Prepare detailed test procedures, technical documentation, calibration records, non-conformance reports, and performance validation reports.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance to ensure full traceability, configuration control, and compliance with aerospace documentation standards.
• Ensure compliance with international space qualification standards (ECSS / NASA / ISRO or equivalent).
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians in optical AIT practices, cleanroom workflows, and test methodologies.
• Interface with customers, program managers, vendors, and external environmental test facilities.
• Participate in procurement and technical evaluation for AIT infrastructure, tooling, fixtures, and external qualification services.
• Drive continuous improvement in AIT processes, optical metrology capability, and production scalability.

Required Skills, Experience & Technical Expertise:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Optics, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• 46 years of experience working with advanced optical systems, including 5+ years of hands-on experience in Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) of optical payloads or spaceborne electro-optical instruments.
• Proven experience in integration, alignment, calibration, and qualification testing of complex optical systems, including large-aperture or high-resolution Earth observation payloads.
• Hands-on expertise with precision optical metrology and alignment instruments such as interferometers, theodolites, alignment telescopes, autocollimators, collimators, and spectroradiometers, including focal plane array (FPA) alignment and electro-optical integration.
• Strong understanding of optical system design principles, optical tolerancing and sensitivity analysis, stray-light analysis, image quality and performance budgets, and exposure to Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis.
• Experience working with detectors, focal plane arrays, readout electronics, and associated electronics integration.
• Familiarity with space qualification and environmental testing standards including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, and vacuum testing, with prior experience planning and executing thermal-vacuum and vibration campaigns.
• Proficiency in optical simulation and analysis tools such as Zemax or Code V, along with MATLAB and/or Python for optical data processing, calibration, and performance validation.
• Experience working in ISO-class cleanroom environments with strong knowledge of contamination control protocols and aerospace documentation standards.
• Prior experience working on space missions with ISRO, ESA, NASA, or commercial satellite programs is desirable.
• Strong analytical problem-solving capability, technical leadership skills, and effective cross-functional communication abilities.