Space Detector Calibration Engineer

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 30 September 2026

Welsh Language:  Not Applicable

Job Description: 

About the Role

The position is being offered until the end of September 2026, however, an extension beyond this date will be considered if the expected external project funding allows nearer the time. 

The Centre for Electronic Imaging (CEI) is a research centre based within the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University. The CEI is a collaboration between the Open University and Teledyne e2v, a world-leading manufacturer of scientific and industrial image sensors. The CEI is dedicated to conducting research into advanced imaging technologies for science applications and conducts its research in collaboration with many universities, agencies and companies including the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency (ESA), NASA and Teledyne e2v.

A main focus for the CEI is the development and characterisation of detectors for space missions. One such mission is the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), NASA’s next flagship space telescope. Current designs for HWO have a 6-8m main mirror, with instruments covering the ultraviolet (UV), optical and near-infrared wavelengths. The main science goal of HWO is the direct detection of life on other planets, and for this purpose, it will carry a broad instrument suite including a coronograph, a high-resolution imager, and a multi-object spectrograph.  

The CEI is working with several UK and international research institutions, including NASA/JPL, on the development, testing, and verification of the performance of the UV-enhanced CMOS image sensors (CIS) towards implementing these as possible detectors for one or more instruments for HWO.
 
We are seeking a motivated and capable individual with relevant physics, engineering and/or laboratory experience to join the CEI Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) project team as a Space Detector Calibration Engineer. The role will be focused on the testing and space qualification of UV-enhanced CMOS Image Sensors (CIS) for the HWO mission. As part of the CEI HWO team, the candidate will receive the necessary training to work within the CEI laboratories and will be involved in all stages of detector development and characterisation, including planning and executing calibration test campaigns and performance simulations, with the goal of optimising detector functionality for flight. The work will be closely aligned with the science requirements of UV astronomy, ensuring a strong connection between instrument performance and mission objectives.

The role involves close collaboration with colleagues at the Open University and a broad network of national and international partners. The successful candidate will engage with external collaborators across the HWO programme, including NASA/JPL, the University of Leicester, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, RAL Space, and the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, among others. Key responsibilities will include attending project meetings and international conferences, preparing and delivering technical progress reports, and maintaining active communication with both engineering and scientific teams throughout the HWO collaboration.

In addition, the role holder will have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of other research projects across the CEI, including other space missions and mission concepts for ESA (e.g. Euclid, SMILE, Theseus, X-ray interferometry) and NASA (e.g. the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope).

Key Responsibilities

• Support the UV calibration and data correction activities of the CEI HWO project team.
• Support the design and implementation of laboratory test equipment used for detector calibration.
• Perform detector calibration testing in the laboratory.
• Prepare and analyse detector calibration data.
• Support testing at external testing facilities with project partners.
• Professionally document role activities.
• Produce technical reports on the data acquired and analysis of the data.
• Work closely with the CEI HWO project team to ensure that the work progresses in a timely manner and report any problems.
• Attend regular project meetings, workshops and conferences. Report progress verbally and in written form.
• Promote knowledge and technology exchange with Teledyne e2v and other project collaborators and contribute to the wider research activities of the CEI, where required.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• A PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience in a related environment.
• Experience with working in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in coding in MATLAB, C/C++, Java and/or Python (or similar) development environments.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills, demonstrated logical and rigorous approach to work.
• Demonstrates a proven ability to work effectively within a team.

Desirable:

• A basic knowledge and/or experience in UV/optical astronomy.
• Extraction and/or analysis of in orbit data from an UV/optical astronomy mission.
• Experience with CCD and/or CMOS image sensors, X-ray and optical testing, characterisation and/or calibration of image sensors.
• Experience with optics and optical systems.
• Good understanding of, and demonstrable experience in, writing bespoke data acquisition and data analysis code and/or software algorithms with a focus on interfacing with test systems and automation of test measurements.

Essential Requirements 

As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum of 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the essential / desirable criteria listed above. 

We are open to discussions about flexible working, Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement, please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.

This post requires laboratory-based work and is based on campus in Milton Keynes. There may be opportunity to work remotely on occassion but most work will need to be completed on campus in Milton Keynes. 

Anticipated interview date: 21 and/or 22 August via MS Teams.  

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.  We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.

Closing Date: 10 August 2025