Optical Communications Engineer

Welcome to SSC Space (formerly Swedish Space Corporation), the perfect workplace for those passionate about technology in general and space in particular.

With space organizations, research institutes, institutional and commercial actors as customers, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications, spacecraft consulting services, rocket and balloon systems, and much more.

SSC Space also has one of the world’s largest global networks of ground stations for satellite communications. We own and operate the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, northern Sweden, with the aim of launching satellites in the near future.

Are you fueled by a passion for people and the ambition to create an awesome workplace? Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with us to help Earth benefit from space?

If you answer yes to these questions, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a significant impact as optical communications engineer in our team. We are looking for a dedicated person who shares our core values of Customer passion, Care, Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage.

As an Optical Communications Engineer you will join our multidisciplinary optical team and contribute to developing satellite data services based on free-space optical communications. You will support system development, integration, testing and operational deployment, working across ground stations, spacecraft interfaces and customer missions.

REQUIREMENTS

• MSc (or equivalent background) in aerospace engineering, engineering physics, electrical engineering, optical communications or a related field.
• Experience in system engineering methods (requirements, interfaces, verification) and end-to-end system thinking.
• Ability to perform system-level analysis, requirements analysis and trade-offs.
• Proven ability for problem solving, working with conflicting deadlines both individually and in a team environment to achieve program goals, with ability to prioritise work and deliver clear documentation (such as technical reports) on time.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Applicants must be legally allowed to work in the EU and hold a European citizenship. Swedish citizenship is an advantage. Evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

In addition, experience with free-space optical communication systems, space systems and ground segment architectures, as well as RF or optical link budget and performance analysis is highly beneficial. Knowledge of network protocols and distributed system architectures is also considered an advantage. You should be able to work effectively both independently and in collaboration with others.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In your role as Optical Communications Engineer you are responsible for supporting the development, integration, and demonstration of SSC Space’s optical ground network services, contributing to both operational deployment and future service development. You operate within the Optical Program and support ongoing projects such as demonstration missions, ground station development, and network integration, while also exploring new applications such as deep-space optical communications and quantum technologies and providing technical support to the business developments.

The main responsibilities include performing in-depth technical analyses of optical communication systems, including link performance and operational requirements, site surveys and environmental assessments, orbit analysis and mission geometry, end-to-end system and subsystem testing and network integration.

The role also entails collaboration and interactions with internal and external partners and participation in technical discussions, workshops and project meetings, as well as on-site work of the SSC Space optical ground stations at the OGS sites (e.g. Australia and Chile) on occasion. Documentation and reporting of the work, tests and outcome are a part of the general responsibilities of the role.

BENEFITS

We offer you

• A unique opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects and play an active role in both the Swedish and international space industry.
• An excellent opportunity for personal and career development.
• An exciting, international workplace characterized by an open atmosphere and proud employees all over the world.

Additional benefits

• In addition to vacation and traditional public holidays, we offer extra paid leave throughout the year, such as time off between Christmas and New Year, Ascension Day, amounting to 6-11 extra days depending on the calendar.
• Wellness allowance of SEK 5,000 per year.
• Health benefits such as voluntary health insurance and regular health checks for eligible employees.
• Access to a benefit bike through a tax-efficient leasing program.
• Support for employee-driven activities that promote connection, health, and culture across teams.
• Collective Agreement, including good pensions plans, parental pay and insurance.

LOCATION

This is a full-time, permanent position based at our office in Solna.

NEXT STEP

If this opportunity sparks your interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible! We review applications continuously and will conduct interviews throughout the process.

When applying, please include your CV. While you are welcome to include a brief personal note or letter, our evaluation will primarily focus on your skills and qualifications as outlined in your CV, ensuring a fair and unbiased recruitment process.

As part of our recruitment process, all candidates selected for employment undergo a background check and security screening.

WE HELP EARTH BENEFIT FROM SPACE

SSC Space is a leading global provider of advanced space services, with more than 50 years of experience. We help space organizations, research institutes, commercial and institutional actors from all over the world to get access to space.

With local presence on all continents and about 800 committed employees, we offer specialist expertise in satellite communications and satellite control services, spacecraft operations, rocket and balloon systems, launch services and flight test services, as well as engineering, operations and consultancy services for space missions.

 We help Earth benefit from Space. Learn more at sscspace.com