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About the Role

As an Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) Engineer at GalaxEye, you will manage the entire AOCS subsystem lifecycle—from initial algorithm development through testing, qualification, and deployment. Your responsibilities will span the design and development of the subsystem, creating and maintaining both software-in-the-loop (SiL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) test-beds, and coordinating closely with system engineering to ensure seamless integration.

You’ll be the technical point of contact for managing data exchanges with suppliers, and you’ll oversee both prototyping and engineering activities all the way to subsystem qualification. This role also involves working with engineering and flight models, and supporting mission operations—including mission setup, in-flight AOCS testing, and ongoing maintenance.

A key initial focus will be on achieving precise, real-time orbit determination and control, especially for applications in proximity operations and Earth observation missions. If you are passionate about end-to-end subsystem responsibility and thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, we want you on our team!

Key Responsibilities

Analyze Mission Requirements: Evaluate upcoming satellite missions to determine AOCS/ADCS system needs and constraints.

Develop and Execute Test Cases: Create comprehensive test plans, scenarios, and cases to validate AOCS/ADCS performance, including failure mode analysis.

System Validation: Conduct rigorous system-level testing to verify AOCS/ADCS functionalities and ensure mission readiness.

Subsystem Integration: Oversee the integration of attitude sensors, actuators, and thrusters with the spacecraft platform; ensure seamless system operation.

Simulation & Analysis: Use MATLAB/Simulink and similar tools to model, simulate, and analyze control system performance under various scenarios.

Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution: Diagnose system issues during test and integration phases; propose corrective actions and improvements.

Component Evaluation: Scout, evaluate, and recommend suitable hardware components (sensors, actuators, thrusters) for AOCS/ADCS.

Collaboration: Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, vendors, and partners to facilitate component procurement and integration.

Documentation: Maintain up-to-date technical documentation, including test results, system modifications, and lessons learned.

Continuous Improvement: Suggest and implement improvements in AOCS/ADCS functionalities for future missions.

Team Mentorship: Provide guidance to junior engineers and interns, supporting their technical development and accelerating project timelines.

Technical Background: Strong understanding of ADCS/AOCS fundamentals, including control algorithms, thruster systems, and spacecraft dynamics.

Simulation Experience: Hands-on experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and validation of spacecraft attitude and orbit control systems.

Test Development: Demonstrated ability to develop, execute, and document system test cases and validation plans.

Hardware Knowledge: Familiarity with attitude sensors (gyros, star trackers, sun sensors), actuators (reaction wheels, CMGs, thrusters), and relevant interfaces.

Software Skills: Proficient in Python, C, or C++ for analysis, simulation, and automation tasks.

Analytical Skills: Knowledge of numerical methods and sensitivity analysis for system performance evaluation.

Orbital Mechanics: Basic understanding of orbital dynamics as related to attitude and orbit control (detailed mission planning is not the primary focus).

Teamwork & Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and manage junior team members.

Documentation: Skilled in preparing clear, detailed technical documentation.

Preferred/Bonus Skills

-Experience with spacecraft mission operations, in-orbit testing, or ground-based test-beds.

-Knowledge of GMAT/STK or similar tools for mission analysis (bonus).

-Previous experience integrating and testing AOCS/ADCS systems for small satellites or CubeSats.