AOCS Engineer

AOCS Engineer

AAC Clyde Space

Delft, Netherlands

About this role:

We are looking for an AOCS Engineer to join our busy Engineering team, based in Delft in the Netherlands to deliver on our projects.

The purpose of the role is to design, implement and test attitude and orbital control sub-systems (AOCS) and algorithms for small satellite missions to cost, quality, safety, and time parameters.

The role suits someone with an estimation and control background. You will have proven experience from regulated industries with the desire to grow your knowledge and expertise, while adding value to our current ways of working.

You will also enjoy having responsibility and development opportunities of a technical nature in a dynamic, fast paced working environment with exciting projects with challenging schedules and able to engage with customers.

You will be happy to get involved and learn from the project! We also support activities across the Group so there are opportunities for cross-site collaboration.

It is an exciting opportunity to be part of existing projects and missions where your work literally ends up in space!

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform design, modelling, implementation, and testing of advanced control laws and navigation algorithms for precise attitude and orbit control for nano, cube and small satellites;
• Create AOCS requirements from top-level specification;
• Collaborate with the Software Engineering team to transition algorithm designs to functional code, then validate implementation against models;
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering to define technical requirements and to define mission analysis and AOCS scenarios for analysis;
• Work from system requirements to space qualified products being launched into space;
• Perform on-orbit commissioning activities for newly launched spacecraft, including direct communication with the client’s team;
• Application maintenance, problem analysis and bug fixing;
• Develop and maintain technical design documentation including requirements capture, technical descriptions and user manuals;
• Analyse test results from each spacecraft and perform hands-on testing on flight hardware;
• Develop and maintain mission, attitude, and orbit dynamics object-oriented flight simulators for end-to-end mission performance prediction.

Skills required:

• Relevant degree or equivalent work experience;
• Proficiency in the following languages: Python, C/C++, Linux, Gitlab, Matlab;
• Demonstrates proficient competence and experience in working with embedded software;
• Strong capabilities in performing specification, architecture, verification and validation;
• Knowledge of space engineering fundamentals: spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, space physics and space environment;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured and methodical approach;
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities — capable of bridging technical and programmatic discussions;
• Take ownership of complex challenges and driving them to resolution with integrity and professionalism;
• Maintain accountability for your work while contributing to a supportive and inclusive team culture;
• Demonstrates sound judgement and resilience in dynamic, time-constrained environments;
• Ability to organise self and prioritise workload of multiple projects in dynamic environment with tight deadlines;
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software;
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.

Skills desired:

• Previous experience in space industry, working on spacecraft AOCS;
• Experience of debugging issues on AOCS hardware and/or software;
• ECSS Standards;
• Project Technical Reviews;
• Modelling Tools such as Ansys STK/GMAT;
• Previous experience working with small/medium sized companies.