LiDAR / Calibration / Validation Engineer (Optical Systems) (w/m/d)
Location: Berlin
Start: May 2026
Commitment: Full-time
Company: AIRMO
About AIRMO
AIRMO is a European climate-tech company using space and airborne technologies to monitor greenhouse gas emissions globally. Our instruments — combining LiDAR and hyperspectral imaging — detect and quantify methane and CO₂ emissions from industrial sites, pipelines, and national infrastructure.
We’re building a global monitoring system from ground to space, helping energy companies, governments, and investors take real action on climate impact.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced LiDAR or Calibration / Validation Engineer based in Berlin for an immediate start.
Responsibilities:
- Owns lidar performance modeling and processing: link budget, background (incl. spectral effects), detection chain, SNR.
- Defines lidar simulation truth models (aerosols, clouds) and processing approaches (filters, ranging, calibration).
- Owns end-to-end calibration/validation strategy: ground calibration, in-orbit calibration, and performance monitoring.
- Defines calibration equipment needs, procedures, reference targets, uncertainty budgets, and data products for Cal/Val.
- Works with pipeline team to ensure calibration parameters are ingestible and versioned; validates “truth” comparisons.
- Leads cal campaigns during AIT/TVAC and supports early ops calibration commissioning.
- Key outputs: Cal/Val plan, uncertainty budget, calibration datasets, acceptance metrics, commissioning checklist.
Requirements:
- Strong knowledge in optics with significant expertise in optical modelling and simulation, especially in the field of spectrometers and lasers over the spectral wavelengths range from Vis to IR
- Wide-ranging experience and advanced knowledge in interfaces and interactions between various aspects of optical systems incl. thermal, mechanical, electrical aspects and interfaces
- Experience with STOP analysis, sequential and non-sequential modes of ZEMAX OpticStudio.
- Experience building and operating optical benches with visible and NIR lasers, including implementation of laser safety, use of wavefront sensors and other optical instruments.
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Remote Sensing, or a related field.
- Proven experience in developing and validating algorithms for optical/infrared instruments.
- Experience with remote sensing applications, particularly in environmental monitoring.
- Strong programming skills in high-level languages such as Python, and proficiency with Linux.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
Nice To Have
- Proficiency in Python for data analysis, simulation, and automation of optical systems.
- 7+ years of relevant engineering experience.
- Strong fundamental understanding of spectrography
- Extensive knowledge of radiative transfer, spectroscopy, and data processing techniques.
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Enthusiasm to learn about the NewSpace or Climate tech
What We Offer
- A chance to shape how climate and space technology is communicated globally
- Direct exposure to founders, investors, and international customers
- Flexible working hours and hybrid setup
- A mission-driven, curious, and slightly space-obsessed team
- Employee VSOP program, and other benefits
Note: AIRMO does not engage recruiters for job openings.