Optomechanical AIT Engineer; Development

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you passionate about precision engineering and cutting‑edge space technologies? We’re looking for a highly skilled Optomechanical AIT Engineer to join our dynamic team development, where innovation meets impact. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of assembling, integrating, and testing advanced optical and mechanical systems for spaceborne instruments. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to ensure our payloads meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑tech environment and are driven by the challenge of turning complex designs into operational reality, we’d love to hear from you.

Position Type: Full‑time

Remote Opportunity: No

Report To: Lead Optomechanical Engineer

Location: Somerset West, South Africa

Job Purpose: Ensure the precise assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft components, guaranteeing they meet all technical and quality standards for successful space missions.

Lead and support the assembly, integration and testing of high precision optomechanical systems for spaceborne applications for the development team.

• Perform optomechanical assembly, integration and testing
• Maintain detailed records of all assembly, integration and testing performed
• Generate and maintain procedures, test plans and test reports as required

Responsible for CAD of AIT hardware and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE).

• Manage configuration structures of all AIT and MGSE designs created
• Complete detailed drawings according to standard
• Perform geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) of all designs
• Manage the manufacturing of the AIT hardware and MGSE
• Assembly and commissioning of the AIT hardware and MGSE

Assist with the environmental testing including thermal vacuum optical, thermal cycling and vibration testing when needed.

Generate and maintain technical documentation as needed.

• Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, Optomechanical Engineering, or a related field

• 0–5 years in mechanical or optomechanical engineering roles, preferably in the space, defence, medical or highly regulated industry
• Previous experience in mechanical design, development and manufacturing
• Very high attention to detail, good mechanical aptitude, with the ability to execute tasks accurately and in a timely fashion
• Highly proficient in verbal and written communication

• Previous experience in performing AIT of optical payloads or other high precision optical instrumentation is preferred
• Previous experience working in a cleanroom environment and complying with quality processes is preferred, but not a requirement
• Experience and knowledge of optical/optomechanical systems is advantageous
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter and NX software is advantageous
• Willingness to share expertise, train others and have the ability to work in a team
• Proactive approach to taking ownership of the relevant technical domain within the company

• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment
• Willing to work long hours when required

• The opportunity to work in the fast‑growing space industry
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment