With thousands of satellites in orbit, providing us with critical services like telecommunications, geolocation and meteorology, ensuring their safety and the long-term sustainability of the space environment is at the core of our mission. Vyoma's vision is to build Europe's first sovereign space surveillance solution that will be capable of mapping all centimetre-scale space objects orbiting in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

Vyoma's Advanced Concepts Team is driving the development of innovative solutions, researching a wealth of complex problems related to mission design and conceptualization, and exploring emerging technologies in order to maintain our competitive edge in space situational awareness. This includes the development of numerical simulations, the optimization of our observational strategy, and the definition of requirements for our future space telescopes, while also providing insights to Vyoma's other teams.

YOUR FOCUS

We are looking for an experienced scientist to join our Advanced Concepts Team to support the design and conceptualisation of our constellation of space telescopes, in particular in the observational domain. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Europe’s first space-based space surveillance mission and make a lasting impact on our space telescopes.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the data reduction, analysis, and calibration within the Payload Data Ground Segment, leveraging your hands-on experience with optical payloads
• Lead the definition and refinement of the operational settings for our space telescopes, as well as their observational commissioning
• Develop and perform numerical simulations of the observational performance of Vyoma’s constellation, with a focus on quantifying and optimising overall system performance
• Define technical requirements for future space telescopes and spacecraft
• Iterate the technical feasibility of our space-based observers in collaboration with Vyoma’s Space Programme team and external suppliers

This position is based in Munich. We look forward to meeting you and exploring how your expertise can help shaping the future of space surveillance!

Education

• Master of Science (preferably a PhD) in Natural Sciences, such as (Observational) Astronomy, Physics, or a related field

Experience

• Strong background in optical/photometric/astronomical observations, including reduction, calibration, analysis, and interpretation of the data, ideally through involvement in observation campaigns
• Extensive experience in numerical methods and scientific programming, with a focus on the synthetic generation of photometric observations
• Experience in the design of optical systems and/or astronomical instrumentation and associated hardware is highly desirable
• Proficient in Python and Git; basic knowledge of Java is advantageous
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

Mindset

• Capable of working independently and proactively, with a sharp analytical mindset and flexible problem-solving approach
• Strong team player, able to collaborate efficiently across disciplines while working towards a common goal

Please apply only if you have a valid work permit for Germany or the EU. Full professional proficiency in English is required.

• We nurture your growth. Our employees are key to the success of Vyoma, that is why we want you to grow fast and assume greater responsibility. We also invest in your training while on the job.
• Transparency. At each step of the way, from recruitment to onboarding to having a permanent position, you will know where you stand and have a clear roadmap, with timeline, goals and expectations.
• Accountability and Feedback. Fostering open and direct lines of communication is crucial for the success of individuals and our teams, that is why we encourage people to speak up and maintain flat hierarchies.
• Your time is valuable. Work should not trump private life, that is why we offer 30 days of holidays, the possibility to work from home, and flexible working hours.
• The perks. Effort should be compensated appropriately, that is why we offer a competitive salary, a virtual stock option, a private pension plan, transportation allowances, and other benefits.
• We are all social animals. We don't just work hard, but we know how to have fun together during our weekly Happy Hours and Game Nights.