Senior AOCS Systems Engineer in Harwell

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.