AOCS Engineer

Overview

An innovative and fast-growing space technology company is seeking an AOCS Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and operation of advanced spacecraft platforms.This role plays a critical part across the full satellite lifecycle - from early architecture and algorithm development through hardware integration, validation, and on-orbit operations.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture & Design

• Lead the development and evolution of the spacecraft AOCS architecture
• Design and integrate sensors, actuators, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and control algorithms
• Ensure system performance meets mission-level pointing and stability requirements

Algorithm Development

• Design and implement advanced attitude determination and control algorithms
• Support multiple pointing modes and control scenarios
• Optimise system performance for precision and robustness

Simulation & Modelling

• Characterise sensors and actuators through modelling and simulation
• Develop and maintain spacecraft simulators for system validation
• Conduct trade-off analyses to optimise AOCS performance

Hardware Integration

• Specify, evaluate, and select AOCS components (e.g., star trackers, IMUs, sun sensors, magnetometers, reaction wheels)
• Integrate AOCS hardware with spacecraft subsystems
• Support system-level verification activities

Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests
• Perform ground-based simulations and commissioning activities
• Troubleshoot integration and performance issues

On-Orbit Operations

• Support AOCS calibration and commissioning
• Assist with manoeuvre planning and fault management
• Provide technical support during mission operations

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 2-5+ years' experience in spacecraft AOCS/ADCS or GNC
• Strong understanding of closed-loop control systems, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft dynamics
• Experience with sensors (IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers, sun sensors) and actuators (reaction wheels, magnetorquers)
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Python for modelling and simulation
• Experience with hardware integration, system validation, and testing

What's Offered

• Competitive salary
• Equity participation
• Comprehensive private healthcare (including dental and optical)
• Relocation package
• Visa sponsorship
• Opportunity to work across the full satellite lifecycle in a high-ownership engineering environment