GNC Engineer - Avionics

Spire; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Glasgow is seeking a GNC/AOCS Engineer to manage spacecraft attitude and orbit control systems. You will design and analyze systems while collaborating with engineering teams. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in spacecraft dynamics, expertise in software development with C/Python, and experience with flight sensors. This role supports a hybrid working model with perks including generous time off and education assistance.

Benefits

Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)

Launch Attendance

Generous Time Off Policy

Education Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)

Family Leave

Fitness Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with spacecraft attitude dynamics.
• Practical application of spacecraft control algorithms.
• Experience in software development with C/Python.

Responsibilities

• Technical ownership of spacecraft attitude and orbit control.
• Design and analyze attitude determination systems.
• Integrate and operate spacecraft dynamics simulations.

Skills

Spacecraft attitude dynamics and control algorithms

Kalman filters for attitude estimation

Flight sensors for spacecraft attitude determination

Software development using C/Python

Linux development environment

Working with external engineering contractors

Tools

C/C++ for embedded systems

Spacecraft design tools

Job description

As a GNC/AOCS Engineer at Spire, you will operate as part of a technical team who maintains responsibility across the full lifecycle of its engineering products. The GNC team interfaces directly with many engineering groups to conduct R&D, design, manufacturing, and operations activities, ultimately ensuring all current and future spacecraft systems satisfy their mission. Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low-cost, fast‑paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast‑paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!

What You’ll Do:

• Technical ownership of current and future spacecraft attitude and orbit control software and hardware.
• Design, model, analyze, integrate and operate attitude determination/estimation systems for small spacecraft.
• Develop and utilize spacecraft dynamics and control simulations, including 'hardware-in-the-loop'.
• Design, evaluate, select, qualify and implement flight sensors, including magnetometers, sun sensors, inertial measurement devices, infrared sensors, and/or star trackers.
• Design, evaluate, select, qualify and implement flight actuators, including magnetic torque elements, reaction wheels, and propulsion systems.
• Be hands‑on in laboratory and manufacturing environments during testing, integration, and qualification of flight systems.
• Provide support and analysis for on‑orbit operations of spacecraft attitude determination and control systems.
• Work with external contractors, manufacturers, and internal manufacturing staff to improve reliability, yield, performance, and cost of flight systems.

Key Skills:

• Extensive experience with a solid foundation in spacecraft attitude dynamics and control algorithms, with emphasis on practical application of knowledge.
• Have experience designing and/or implementing Kalman filters for attitude estimation.
• Experience with flight sensors for spacecraft attitude determination/estimation.
• Experience developing software using C/Python.
• Have experience or familiarity with the Linux development environment.
• Have experience working with external engineering contractors.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience writing flight software.
• Experience with C or C++ development for embedded systems.
• Experience with spacecraft design.
• Experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing.
• Experience with spacecraft operations and maintenance.
• Experience identifying and resolving system anomalies.
• Experience creating and maintaining integration and test campaigns for attitude determination and control systems, including hardware and software.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export‑controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MI

Global Perks

• 🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
• 🚀 Launch Attendance
• 🌴 Generous Time Off Policy
• 🎓 Education Assistance Program
• 🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• 👣 Family Leave
• 💪 Fitness Reimbursement
• 🧡 Employee Referral Program
• 🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space‑to‑cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi‑purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real‑time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check, which may include criminal history and employment verification.

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