Senior AOCS Systems Engineer

Argotec; San Mauro Torinese; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Monthly Free-Day

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Argotec in Italy is seeking a Senior Attitude and Orbital Control Systems (AOCS) System Engineer to design, develop, qualify and test ADCS and propulsion subsystems within spacecraft architectures.

The role requires hands-on engineering, system budgeting, and collaboration with international teams across mission phases from concept to in-flight operations. A Master’s in Aerospace and 5+ years in space hardware are expected, with strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Space Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role, preferably within space sector.
• Excellent communication and teamwork, English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead AOCS suite (ADCS and Propulsion) across mission phases from concept to in-flight operations.
• Perform calculations, modelling and simulations for GNC/AOCS performance.
• Manage system budgets (deltaV, momentum, pointing) and coordinate with project team.
• Produce technical documentation for reviews and interfaces with customers and suppliers.
• Support AIT/AIV and qualification activities for GNC/AOCS.

Skills

GNC/AOCS design

System engineering

Modelling & simulations

English communication

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace/Space Engineering

Tools

Matlab

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

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.
• Monthly “Free-Day” - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
• A diversified community that organizes extra-work and fun activities.

SALARY RANGE:

40.000 - 50.000 EUR

Argotec reserves the right to assess the appropriate job level and compensation package based on objective criteria emerging throughout the selection process. These evaluations will be carried out in alignment with the candidate’s seniority, skills, and experience, as well as with the scope and responsibilities of the role. Any compensation proposal will be defined in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity, in accordance with applicable regulations.

_Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99).

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless, for instance, of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03._