Satellite Optical Communication Terminal Engineer; m​/f​/d

OHB System AG – We.Create.

Space

OHB System AG is one of the leading space companies in Europe. The company is part of the listed high‑tech group OHB SE, which has more than 3,200 employees working on pivotal European space programs. With two strong locations in Bremen and Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich and more than 40 years of experience, OHB System AG specialises in high‑tech solutions for space.

These include low‑orbiting and geostationary satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science and space exploration as well as systems for human space flight and aerial reconnaissance. We owe our success to our employees' passion for innovation, as well as their commitment and initiative.

For permanent employment OHB System AG in Bremen is looking for a

As Satellite Optical Communication Terminal Engineer, you will act as the technical authority within OHB for Optical Communication Terminals (OCT) and related optical payload equipment. You will ensure the successful development, integration, and qualification of OCT equipment from supplier management through satellite‑level testing and launch readiness. This role requires strong systems thinking, supplier coordination, and hands‑on technical expertise in optical communications for space applications.

• OHB Technical point of contact to the OCT supplier, and any other optical payload suppliers.
• Management, monitoring and controlling of all OCT activities, i.e. design, development and testing, conducted by the Payload supplier.
• Support co‑engineering activities and design trade‑offs with the Payload supplier for the correct implementation of the applicable requirements.
• Elaboration of Optical Communications Terminals (OCT) specifications based on mission requirements, as well as for other optical Payloads.
• Provision of inputs to the Statement of Work (SOW) with the supplier.
• Compliance assessment to applicable Payload requirements and SOW and discussion coordination.
• On‑site participation at supplier facilities during program milestones and test campaigns.
• Perform technical coordination between the suppliers and other satellite subsystems within the OHB for the embarkation of the equipment on the spacecraft (thermal, mechanical, electrical, SW, etc).
• Reporting to the Project Payload lead engineer on the status of the equipment development and to provide inputs to the Satellite Level documentation.
• Perform reviews of OCT documentation during the OCT project milestones (EQSR, PDR, CDR, TRR, TRB).
• Support system‑level reviews requiring OCT inputs.
• Contribution to Progress Reports on OCT topics.
• Review and discussion coordination with the OCT supplier for AIT approach, at equipment, Payload and Satellite level.
• Report OCT NCRs, RFDs/RFWs and support OCT related NRBs (when applicable).
• Collection of OCT related information and distribution to the system (budgets, ICD, step files and other documentation).
• Elaboration of test specifications, test procedures and reports for Satellite level testing.
• Payload schedule supervision and reporting of details and critical dependencies into the Master schedule.

• Degree in Physics, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience working with Optical Communication Terminals (OCT) for space applications.
• Strong understanding of:
  • OCT architecture and design
  • Optical communication protocols
  • Performance analysis and optical link budgets
• Good knowledge of SDA and ESTOL protocols.
• Experience with satellite development lifecycle (Phase B–D), supplier management and milestone reviews.
• Strong interface management and cross‑disciplinary coordination skills.
• Structured, analytical and solution‑oriented mindset.

• Work Life Balance:
  
  Flexible working hours, sabbatical, 30 days vacation & special leave days.
• Mobile Work:
  Hybrid work & mobile work abroad.
• Structured onboarding process (incl. assignment of a buddy in the first months).
• Development:
  Extensive range of training courses, individual professional development, German language courses & annual employee dialogue.
• Space projects.
• Additional benefits:…