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Thales

Global defense and aerospace electronics

Technical Manager, Instrument Preliminary Design for Earth Observation and Science Satellites

Spacecraft & Launch Vehicle SystemsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeCannes, FranceNo salary listedHybrid

About the Job

Requirements

  • A degree in engineering, a Master's, or a Doctorate in aeronautics, space, optics, optoelectronics, astrophysics, or an equivalent field.
  • Significant experience in the development or architecture of space instruments.
  • English proficiency sufficient to work comfortably in an international environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the technical vision for optical instruments during phases 0, A, and B1, as well as during calls for tender.
  • Serve as the interface with clients, partners, and suppliers throughout studies.
  • Define and consolidate the overall instrument architecture, ensuring feasibility, performance, and competitiveness.
  • Lead trade-off analyses and coordinate systems, optics, mechanical, thermal, detection, image-quality, and IVVQ expertise to converge on the best solution.
  • Develop cost estimates, development strategies, and associated technology roadmaps.
  • Lead the preparation of technical offers and establish their baseline, ensuring consistency of performance, interfaces, technical justifications, and development plans.
  • Contribute to opportunity-capture strategy and identify innovative, differentiating solutions.
  • Present and defend proposed solutions to clients and internal decision-making bodies.

Desired Qualifications

  • Solid experience designing and architecting space-based optical or optronic instruments.
  • Good command of systems analyses and performance evaluation for complex instruments.
  • Recognized experience technically leading studies, preliminary projects, or responses to calls for tender.
  • Good knowledge of the European space ecosystem and its institutional and industrial stakeholders.
  • Understanding of competitiveness, cost, schedule, and risk-management issues associated with space programs.

About the Company

Thales

Global defense and aerospace electronics

Thales designs and delivers critical technology for aerospace, defense, and digital security. Its products include electronics, software, and data-security systems that power air travel, payments, and modern military platforms, by integrating hardware and software to build systems such as avionics, radar, cybersecurity, and secure communications that collect sensor data and protect networks. It stands out through deep industrial experience, end-to-end solutions across defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity, and a focus on AI and quantum tech, aided by strategic acquisitions and partial state ownership. Its goal is to provide reliable, secure, and connected technologies that support national security, public safety, and everyday life by solving complex security and connectivity challenges.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
IPO
Headquarters
Meudon, France
Founded
1893

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