Can you lead the System design of our cutting-edge high-tech satellite communication products in a growing company? Do you want to be the bridge from (mechatronics) system design perspective between customers, suppliers and a high-tech factory to help us realize cost competitive products? Do you want to help build the company? Then you are the system architect we are looking for!

Imagine a world where data flows instantly between earth and space, providing real-time access to life-saving services and strengthening global security with unbreakable communication lines. This is the future we are building.

FSO Instruments is at the forefront of developing advanced laser satellite communication technology. Together with our partners and shareholders we are committed to strengthening the Dutch space industry and pushing the boundaries of communication systems to enable faster, more reliable, and secure connections between satellites, airplanes, drones and ground stations. By pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, we are shaping the future of space communication, both locally and globally.

FSO Instruments is a Joint Venture between DEMCON and VDL that develops and manufactures optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. FSO Instruments combines the strengths of DEMCON and VDL ETG, inspired by TNO technologies, to let laser satellite communication take the step towards industrialization. We have strong heritage in Semiconductor and Aerospace, and bring this to optical communications:

• Developing and engineering of laser communication terminals

• Modular and Standardized functional (sub-)systems for laser communication

• High tech contract manufacturing expertise for cost-effective high-volume production.

At FSO Instruments we work closely with dedicated partners for development and supply, as well as with our parent companies to ensure we achieve the most competitive products for the market for optical communications in space.

As a System Architect, you are the decision maker from concept to verification, from inventory of customer requirements to delivery of the prototype or product. Your technical insight, experience and problem-solving skills give our customer(s) confidence. In this, you guide various teams of highly skilled engineers and keep momentum in the development process by making typical risk-based decisions. In the teams you fulfill a leading, inspiring and coaching role. As a multidisciplinary leader of teams in different phases, you ensure the best solution for the products and customers. In this, you have a high degree of independence and freedom in organizing your work.

In the projects you show your decisiveness from a technical perspective in order to move the team and the project forward in close cooperation with the project leader. You are expected to shape projects and show entrepreneurship. In doing so, you are an inspiration to your colleagues.

Your days will look like:

• You engage in substantive discussions with potential clients to ensure that you can provide the right input to the quotation
• You are busy with setting up the functional architecture, you will sit in on design reviews
• You prioritize activities to fit within the given schedule and budget
• Coaching and guiding engineers during the entire (design) process
• You closely collaborate with a project manager, responsible for cost and schedule, where you are responsible for the technology and quality.

• You have a degree at the level of higher professional education (MSc or PhD), preferably in System, high tech or aerospace engineering;[WK1]
• You have a minimum of years’ experience in a comparable systems architecting or heavy system engineering position in the space or high-tech industries;
• Preferably you have experience in the optical communication market;
• You have a good understanding of mechatronic system design choices and the impact on cost for volume manufacturing;
• You have experience with development of commercial products;
• You are entrepreneurial and creative, recognize and translate technical problems or new technical developments into working (mechanical) solutions;
• You are enthusiastic, flexible and show initiative and perseverance.

At FSO Instruments we have a ‘flat’ organization where people can easily find and help each other. We value a comfortable and inclusive workplace. There is a lot of emphasis put on personal needs and we discourage overtime, because we know how important work-life balance is.

Furthermore, you can count on, among other things:

A good, market-based salary;

• 31 days off and 8% vacation allowance;
• Possibility to work from home, maximum 2 days a week.
• A good pension plan at Zwitserleven;
• The opportunity to follow training and courses, or externally, so you can further develop your knowledge;
• A laptop and mobile phone from work;
• Bicycle plan.

Please contact our recruitment colleagues at careers@fso-instruments.nl or Hessel.edelijn@demcon.com