Optical Systems Engineer - Defence

Freelance Optical Systems Engineer (UAV & Autonomous Systems) - C1 German

Location: Germany (On-site/Hybrid)

Contract: Freelance

Duration: 12 Months

Start: Immediate

We are supporting an innovative aerospace technology company developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and autonomous airborne platforms. As part of continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join a multidisciplinary engineering team delivering advanced imaging and sensing technologies for UAV applications.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge airborne optical payloads, combining optics, photonics and precision engineering to support autonomous navigation, surveillance and intelligence capabilities.

The Role

You will play a key role in the design, development and integration of advanced optical payloads for unmanned aircraft. Working alongside mechanical, electronics, software and systems engineers, you will ensure optical systems deliver exceptional performance in demanding operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical and electro-optical systems for UAV platforms.
• Integrate cameras, lenses, laser modules and optical sensors into airborne payloads.
• Develop optical architectures for imaging, navigation and situational awareness systems.
• Perform optical modelling, tolerance analysis and system optimisation.
• Support optical alignment, calibration and environmental testing.
• Work closely with opto-mechanical, electronics and embedded software teams during system integration.
• Evaluate and improve optical performance under vibration, temperature and dynamic operating conditions.
• Produce technical documentation, test reports and engineering specifications.
• Support prototype development, flight testing and system validation.
• Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience developing optical or electro-optical systems.
• Experience with precision imaging systems, optical sensors or laser technologies.
• Strong understanding of optical alignment, tolerancing and integration.
• Experience using optical design software such as Zemax , CODE V or similar.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with optical testing and validation.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• UAV or aerospace systems.
• EO/IR payloads.
• Machine vision or computer vision hardware.
• Laser rangefinders or LiDAR.
• SWIR, MWIR or thermal imaging systems.
• Optical tracking or target acquisition technologies.
• Ruggedised electronics or airborne qualification.
• Location: Germany
• Contract: Freelance
• Duration: 12 Months
• Start Date: Immediate
• Competitive daily rate
• Long-term project with excellent extension potential.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an Optical Systems Engineer to work on the next generation of autonomous aerial technologies, developing sophisticated optical payloads that combine precision engineering, advanced imaging and real-world operational performance.