Orbital Navigation & GNC Engineer
Avio SpA
Company Description
Avio is the leading company in the creation and development of launchers and solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion systems. Founded in 1912 with headquarters in Colleferro (RM), it boasts an international presence in Italy, France and French Guiana.
The over 1,300 professionals, 30% of whom are engaged in research and development activities, contribute to making Avio a true Italian excellence in the field of launchers and defense programs.
The experience and know-how acquired in over 50 years of activity in the space sector allow us to compete with the top players in the sector: today we are the only Italian company in the small number of countries in the world capable of designing and creating space vectors.
We are continually looking for curious, ambitious and motivated professionals with a keen interest in innovation.
Position
We are seeking an Orbital GNC Engineer to join the System Engineering Directorate, within the Flight Mechanics, GNC & Flight Software team. The selected candidate will work on ESA projects related to orbital segments (SpaceRider, IOS, etc.) as well as on a new and innovative project focused on the development of a hybrid navigation platform.
This opportunity is aimed at individuals who wish to contribute to the success of large-scale programs with significant technical complexity — such as launcher development — and to participate in international programs involving multiple industrial and institutional partners (ASI, ESA, etc.).
Within the Orbital Navigation & GNC team, the selected candidate will be involved in the following activities:
- Writing and modifying onboard flight algorithms for orbital platforms and related documentation.
- Performing R&D activities related to control, pointing, and navigation algorithms.
- Developing simulators, including modeling of dynamics, disturbances, and complex (multibody) systems.
- Preparing validation plans for test campaigns, including Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL).
- Verifying performance in both closed- and open-loop configurations.
- Writing performance reports.
- Coordinating with different Technical Authorities across various disciplines.
- Interfacing with external entities, both institutional (ESA, ASI) and commercial (subcontractors).
Requirements
- Master’s degree in aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering.
- Some experience or academic background in areas related to GNC, flight mechanics, or orbital dynamics — for example, through university projects, theses, or internships.
- Multidisciplinary foundation across key aerospace engineering domains (GNC, orbital flight mechanics, solid and liquid propulsion, structures, thermal).
- Proficiency in standard software tools (MS Office suite), Matlab/Simulink, and programming languages such as C or C++.
- Experience in projects related to satellite systems, orbital platforms, or navigation systems, or a PhD in related topics, will be considered a plus.
Other information
The announcement is aimed at all people, without distinction of sex, in reference to Legislative Decree 198/2006. We reject all forms of discrimination, we believe in equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.