Attitude and Orbital Control Systems (AOCS) Engineer - Space

Who are you? 

You may be looking for either a permanent or contractual role, full or part-time (we really are flexible!) that is hybrid based. On days you need to be in the office, you can work out of Alton (preferred), Guildford or London.

As an experienced AOCS Engineer, you will have strong technical knowledge and be used to working on complex systems. You will be experienced in the development and implementation of spacecraft software with the ability to pick up new skills quickly. As part of a collaborative team, you will get the opportunity to share and develop ideas with your colleagues and assist in the training of new team members. 

Academically, you will be educated to at least degree-level or equivalent in a STEM subject, however relevant experience is more important than qualifications. 

Experience in most of the following areas is required: 

We don’t expect you to have a tick in the box for everything below, but ideally, we are looking for knowledge/ experience in: 

• Dynamics & control system theory and engineering; 

• Commercially available sensors and actuators for small satellites; 

• Modelling techniques for AOCS; 

• Slosh dynamics; 

• Technical delivery of complex systems; 

• Delivery of space technology and/or space mission studies or R&D projects; 

• Working in, and collaborating with, multi-disciplinary teams;  

• Reporting project progress to internal stakeholders; 

• Working in project delivery and bid teams; 

• Space Standards (i.e. ECSS); 

• The UK Space Industry. 

What will you be doing here?  

With a good understanding of rigid body dynamics and other dynamic motions (i.e. orbital motion), a working knowledge of C and proficient use of technical modelling tools you will be developing and modelling AOCS solutions for small satellite missions, working independently or as part of a team, depending on the task in hand. 

The work will involve close collaboration with technical leads, sub-system specialists and project managers to provide inputs to technical documentation, project plans and schedules, and other project artefacts. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Determination of appropriate small satellite AOCS solutions to given mission statements, for orbits including LEO, GEO & HEO 

• Derivation of spacecraft attitude and orbit knowledge, estimation and control requirements from user, mission and system requirements; 

• Development, implementation and verification of simulation software for performance modelling; 

• Selection of appropriate subsystem hardware to support meeting the knowledge, estimation and control requirements; 

• Co-ordination of subsystem requirements and dependencies with the wider spacecraft system design activities.  

• Derivation and management of subsystem technical budgets and margins, with support from senior team members as required. 

• Derivation and analysis of control and estimation performance 

• Management and execution of Validation and Verification activities at a subsystem and system level (including lab testing). 

About In-Space Missions and BAE Systems  

BAE Systems acquired In-Space Missions in 2021, and the two organisations have teamed to advance our space ambition by bringing all our space activities under a new, integrated business unit and leadership team which is focused on designing, building and operating world-class space missions for global customers. The new Space business unit now comprises approximately 180 staff located across 3 sites at Alton, Guildford and Great Baddow. BAE Systems is committed to investing in Space to deliver new-space small satellite systems and space data products combined with the security and resilience of BAE Systems expertise in telemetry tracking and command processors, waveforms, electronics, antennas and digital signal processing and analytics. 

Culture 

We have a close-knit and supportive team, with diversity and inclusion being a key to our success. We welcome varying backgrounds, skills, perspectives and life experiences.  We embrace Hybrid Working so wherever possible, we offer flexible working arrangements to allow us to balance our work and personal life more effectively. 

What can we offer you?   

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, 10% Non-Contributory Pension with the option for additional salary sacrifice, free onsite parking, access to BAE Share Incentive Plan, Income protection, 3 x salary life assurance policy, discounted shopping and much more 

• Work / Life Balance: 37.5 hour week, hybrid working options, flexible working around core hours, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays  

• Personal Development: Personalised development plan along with access to BAE’s E-learning courses 

• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Scheme with AXA Healthcare (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), travel insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, eye tests 

Recruitment Process   

If you’ve been shortlisted for the role, our Recruitment team will reach out to schedule a 1st stage Teams interview with you.  

We want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible so if you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Additionally, if you don’t meet all of the criteria please still apply. We really enjoy meeting diverse people who might bring a fresh perspective on a problem we need to solve!   

Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship. Please be aware that many roles working for In-Space Missions will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the company.