LiDAR Payload Engineer in Berlin

Our client is a rapidly growing space technology company seeking a LiDAR Payload Engineer with strong experience in airborne or spaceborne mapping LiDAR systems. In this role, you will lead the end-to-end design, modeling, and testing of an advanced space-based LiDAR payload for a planetary mapping mission.

You will take ownership of the LiDAR system from concept through integration and testing, overseeing modeling and simulation, hardware integration, calibration, and performance verification. While individual subsystems, such as the laser, optical assemblies, and detectors are supplied by partner organizations, you will define the overall system architecture and ensure that all elements work together to deliver high-quality ranging and topographic data.

This position bridges hardware and data, combining a deep understanding of LiDAR systems with practical integration and calibration expertise. You will work closely with optical engineers, subsystem suppliers, and software teams to develop a flight-ready system capable of reliable operation in orbit. Candidates with experience in space systems and systems engineering are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end LiDAR system development, from design and modeling through integration, calibration, and testing.
• Develop and maintain LiDAR performance simulations and predictive models using tools such as MATLAB and optical/remote-sensing simulation software.
• Define and manage LiDAR system requirements and verification methods.
• Establish and maintain the LiDAR link budget.
• Collaborate with suppliers for laser, optical, and detector subsystems.
• Integrate and test a Geiger-mode Avalanche Photon Detector (GmAPD) or similar single-photon detector within the LiDAR receive chain.
• Develop and execute system calibration procedures for timing, pointing, and radiometric accuracy.
• Support the design and validation of timing electronics and signal processing chains for photon-level measurements.
• Implement and optimize data compaction and compression methods to manage instrument data volume.
• Design and build a LiDAR test system capable of simulating photon returns under varying operational scenarios.
• Participate in integration, assembly, and testing campaigns for engineering models and flight hardware.
• Analyse ground test and flight data to verify system performance and support early-stage data processing.
• Develop methods to assign accurate timestamps and spacecraft attitude information to each measurement.
• Contribute to technical documentation and project design reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 5+ years with a master’s/PhD, in LiDAR system design, testing, or modeling.
• Proven experience with airborne or spaceborne mapping LiDAR systems.
• Strong understanding of LiDAR ranging principles, system architecture, and performance drivers.
• Hands-on experience with LiDAR calibration, timing electronics, and detector characterization.
• Proficiency in MATLAB for system modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with optical or remote-sensing simulation tools.
• Experience working with GmAPD (Geiger-mode) or other single-photon detectors.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills in English.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience developing or integrating space-qualified or airborne LiDAR payloads.
• Background in systems engineering.
• Knowledge of signal processing and data compression methods for LiDAR systems.
• Familiarity with optical, mechanical, and thermal integration of active sensing instruments.
• Experience with payload integration, assembly, and testing, as well as system-level calibration.
• Knowledge of space system standards and mission lifecycle processes.

Other Requirements

• Professional proficiency in English.
• Willingness to relocate for the role if required.
• Full-time position.

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