Senior AOCS Engineer

Senior AOCS Engineer – Turin. Full-Time, Permanent. NewSpace Technical is proud to be partnered with a pioneering European aerospace organisation at the forefront of small satellite innovation. This fast-growing company specialises in advanced satellite platforms and cutting-edge technologies designed to support the next generation of space exploration. With a fully integrated, 'end-to-end' approach – spanning design, development, integration, qualification, and in-orbit operations- they are redefining how agile space missions are delivered. As part of their continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and driven Senior AOCS Systems Engineer to join a high-performing Systems Engineering team. You’ll play a key role in shaping innovative small satellite missions, with a strong focus on AOCS and GNC. This is an environment where collaboration, ownership, and continuous learning are central, where ideas are valued, and challenges are seen as opportunities to push boundaries and grow.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and validation of Attitude and Orbit Control Systems; Technical leadership of the AOCS suite (ADCS & Propulsion) from early mission phases through to in-orbit operations; Performing engineering analyses, modelling, and simulation to assess GNC/AOCS performance; Leading trade-offs, sizing, and architecture definition of AOCS subsystems; Defining and driving spacecraft GNC architecture in line with mission requirements; Managing key system budgets (delta-V, momentum, pointing performance); Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary project teams; Coordinating and reviewing external partners’ technical contributions; Supporting system engineering plans, design documentation, and verification strategies; Producing technical documentation for internal and external reviews; Supporting AIT/AIV and qualification activities, with a focus on AOCS; Interfacing with quality and configuration control processes

Requirements

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Engineering, or similar; ~5+ years’ experience in a comparable role within the space sector; Strong team player with a proactive, hands-on mindset; Comfortable working in fast-paced, international environments; Excellent communication skills in English; Deep knowledge of spacecraft sensors, actuators, and propulsion systems (chemical, cold gas, electric); Strong understanding of pointing performance metrics (APE, RPE, AKE); Solid grasp of spacecraft architecture, mission phases, and orbital/attitude dynamics; Experience developing AOCS simulations and performance analyses; Familiarity with momentum management strategies; Experience integrating AOCS/GNC solutions within spacecraft systems; Knowledge of ECSS standards and tailoring; Hands-on experience with environmental and functional testing campaigns

Nice to have

End-to-end AOCS development through to in-orbit operations; Experience with proximity operations or advanced mission profiles; Exposure to ESA project reviews; Real-time spacecraft operations and commissioning experience; Strong GNC algorithm development (navigation, guidance, control); Experience with FDIR strategies; Proficiency in Matlab, Simulink, Python, and C/C++