Senior AOCS Systems Engineer

DUTIES

As a Senior Attitude and Orbital Control Systems (AOCS) System Engineer , you will be responsible for the design, development, qualification, and testing of the ADCS and/or propulsion subsystems, ensuring their proper integration within the spacecraft architecture and space mission project.

The activities will include (but are not limited to):

• AOCS suite (ADCS and Propulsion subsystems) technical lead throughout all mission phases, from initial concept (Phase 0/A) up to in-flight operations (Phase E);
• Perform engineering calculations, analysis, modelling and simulations to calculate GNC/AOCS performances;
• Perform technical trade-off, sizing and architecture selection of PS and ADCS hardware;
• Drive the spacecraft GNC architecture according to technical requirements and specifications;
• Management of system budgets with particular focus on deltaV, momentum and pointing budgets;
• Day-to-day collaboration and coordination with the project team;
• Monitoring, control and review of external partners’ work and design; lead technical meetings and propagation of outcome to the internal project team;
• Support the system engineering plan, design report, development and verification plan;
• Produce technical documentation for reviews with customers, subcontractors and suppliers;
• Support and involvement in spacecraft AIT, AIV and qualification activities with a primary focus GNC/AOCS suite;
• Interface with Quality Manager/Officer and involvement in (external/internal) NRB and NCR and configuration control processes.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Space Engineering or related technical field;
• At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within space sector;
• High flexibility and team-working capability;
• Hands-on and proactive approach;
• Ability to work with tight schedules;
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary and international teams;
• Excellent communication and team-oriented spirit;
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Excellent knowledge of spacecraft sensors and actuators;
• Excellent knowledge of spacecraft propulsion systems (chemical, cold gas and electrical technologies);
• Excellent knowledge of pointing performances index (APE, RPE, AKE);
• Knowledge of spacecraft architecture and mission phases;
• Knowledge of orbital and attitude dynamics;
• Development and implementation of AOCS simulator and analyses execution;
• Experience with momentum management strategies;Experience in implementation of AOCS/GNC solutions and integration with respect to the spacecraft architecture;
• Familiar with ECSS standard and tailoring (ECSS-E-ST-35C, ECSS-E-ST-60-10C, ECSS-E-ST-60-30C, ECSS-E-ST-10C);
• Practical experience running test campaigns (functional, TVAC, vibration, leak and proof etc.);
• Continuous learning attitude and commitment to excellence;
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements and stakeholder needs;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, working under tight deadlines.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Proven experience in implementing AOCS suite solutions, from design to in-orbit operations;
• Hands-on experience with proximity operations space missions;
• Participation in project reviews under ESA supervision;
• Practical experience in real-time spacecraft operations, including execution of AOCS maneuvers and spacecraft commissioning;
• Strong background in GNC algorithm design, such as navigation filters, guidance strategies, and control systems;
• Expertise in GNC FDIR design and implementation;
• Advanced proficiency in Matlab, Simulink, Python, and C/C++.

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.