At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of high-quality AOCS solutions for satellite missions.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible.
- Benefits: Work with cutting-edge technology and a supportive, diverse team.
- Other info: Flexible work locations and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space technology and solve global challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in AOCS subsystems and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO) The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.
Our Systems Team brings together brilliant Systems, AOCS and Thermal Engineers who turn ambitious mission concepts into reality. They design, integrate, and optimise every detail – from spacecraft architecture to next-generation optical payloads – making sure every system fits, works, and thrives in orbit. From first sketch to launch day, they own the journey, ensuring our satellites deliver maximum impact back on Earth.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the delivery of robust, high-quality AOCS solutions across multiple satellite missions—ensuring technical performance, reliability, and on-time delivery.
- Own the AOCS subsystem architecture: defining requirements, contributing to FMECA, shaping FDIR strategies, and supporting CONOPS development.
- Model, simulate, and analyse AOCS concepts, algorithms, sensor suites and actuator configurations, performing trade-offs and optimisation studies.
- Develop and maintain AOCS simulation environments, analysis tools, and test equipment.
- Plan and conduct lab tests, including hardware-in-the-loop and software validation activities.
- Interpret test results, identify issues, and drive corrective actions to improve performance.
- Maintain and evolve the AOCS roadmap—identifying capability gaps and introducing new technologies aligned with EO, telecom and demonstration mission needs.
- Support bids and pre-sales work with feasibility assessments and technical contributions.
- Provide expert guidance to mission teams, operations, and customers on AOCS behaviour and operational considerations.
- Collaborate closely with suppliers and partners to evaluate sensors, actuators, algorithms, and emerging solutions.
What You’ll Bring
- You’re a hands-on engineer with strong analytical capability, practical intuition, and a passion for building real spacecraft.
- Proven ability designing, analysing and testing AOCS subsystems (sensors, actuators, algorithms or control software).
- Hands-on familiarity with high-end AOCS solutions for EO or telecommunications missions.
- Strong proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and simulation model development.
- Understanding of hardware/software interfaces, electronics, or embedded systems relevant to AOCS.
- Experience in laboratory validation, test automation or iterative prototyping.
- Working knowledge of FMECA, FDIR, and CONOPS development.
How you work:
- Proactive, self-driven and motivated by ownership of performance and outcomes.
- Structured, analytical and calm in the face of complexity or ambiguity.
- Collaborative, open and willing to support and teach others.
- Practical, hands-on, and solutions-focused with strong engineering intuition.
- Customer-oriented, able to translate mission needs into subsystem-level design decisions.
For this role you can be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. Please submit your application in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
- A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Senior AOCS Systems Engineer in Didcot employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while tackling real-world challenges through cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Join a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values respect and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior AOCS Systems Engineer in Didcot
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Open Cosmos for a Senior AOCS Systems Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior AOCS Systems Engineer in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Open Cosmos, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Open Cosmos.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Open Cosmos. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Open Cosmos love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
