Senior AOCS Engineer

Qabird; Delft; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Qabird in Delft is looking for an AOCS Engineer to design and implement algorithms for state-of-the-art CubeSats. The role encompasses a range of responsibilities from developing control software to performance verification and hardware design. Candidates must hold a master's degree in a relevant field and possess substantial experience in AOCS or GNC, as well as proficiency in MATLAB, C++, and Python. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary range of €4,594 - €5,830 per month.

Qualifications

• At least 4-5 years of experience in AOCS or GNC.
• Solid grasp of mathematics and physics.
• Good communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Act as Mission AOCS Engineer throughout mission lifecycle.
• Develop control algorithms and software.
• Contribute to hardware design on AOCS system level.

Skills

Control engineering

Software engineering

MATLAB

C++

Python

Electronics

Education

Master’s degree in control engineering or related field

Tools

Embedded systems

Simulation software

Job description

Job description

As a member of our AOCS team, you will be responsible for the design, implementation and performance verification of AOCS algorithms, sensors and actuators. Your activities will range from being responsible for implementing AOCS hardware and software in a satellite mission as Mission AOCS Engineer, to performing research & development in the scope of the company’s technology roadmap, to liaising with system engineers and contributing to pre-studies for mission proposals and, last but not least, building simulation models and expanding the company’s AOCS simulation framework.

As AOCS engineer you will enjoy a lot of freedom to experiment and develop/adapt innovative control techniques and hardware to CubeSats. The small satellite market is experiencing a trend where higher demands are placed on the accuracy and reliability of AOCS solutions and we see a clear need for pushing the boundaries of what is achievable with CubeSats through adaptation of state-of-the-art technologies. You will take part in realizing that and will be working hands-on with both flight hardware and software from the start.

We expect you to be ambitious, pro-active, and to be able to work autonomously, while also being a dedicated team-member.

Your main responsibilities:

• Acting as Mission AOCS Engineer or supporting that function throughout the entire lifecycle of a mission (from requirements analysis to in-orbit operations).
• Developing control algorithms and software.
• Developing simulation code and executing simulations for performance analysis & verification.
• Contributing to hardware design on AOCS system- and subsystem level.

You will also be involved in:

• Liaising with ISISPACE’s systems engineering team to coordinate satellite level AOCS performance and in planning & supporting satellite test campaigns.
• Liaising with ISISPACE’s embedded software team for implementation of AOCS algorithms.
• Supporting satellite sales to ensure technical offers sent to customers are sound and comply with ISISPACE’s capabilities and AOCS roadmap.

Job requirements

• An academic master’s (MSc) degree or higher in: control engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, space systems engineering or other appropriate (the latter to be evaluated per case).
• At least 4-5 years of experience, in the field of AOCS or GNC.
• A solid grasp of mathematics and physics (especially attitude and orbit dynamics).
• Working experience with one or more of the following disciplines: electronics, (embedded) software engineering, filter & controller design, simulation.
• Affinity with both hardware and software.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming and scripting languages: MATLAB, C, C++, Python.
• Good communication skills in English (spoken and written).

If you do not meet all requirements, the following may be taken into consideration or, generally, will be considered as a plus:

• Experience with designing control systems.
• Experience with designing electronics systems.
• Knowledge of other programming languages.
• Knowledge of propulsion systems, orbit control and related orbital dynamics.
• A degree in Mathematics or Physics.
• A good understanding of modern microprocessors and digital communication buses (I2C, RS485, SpaceWire, CAN).
• Experience with digital systems design.
• Familiarity with ECSS.

Hybrid

• Delft, Netherlands

€4,594 - €5,830 per month

Mission Solutions & Engineering