
IO Associates
AOCS Engineer
Job Description
Salary: £70,000 - 70,000 per year
Requirements:- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline; a masters qualification is highly advantageous.
- Proven experience of 2-5 years in spacecraft attitude control systems, with hands-on development, testing, and operational knowledge.
- Strong understanding of ADCS components such as sensors (IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers) and actuators (reaction wheels, magnetorquers).
- Proficiency in programming with C/C++ for embedded systems, along with experience using Python and MATLAB for simulation and data analysis.
- Sound knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and closed-loop control systems.
- Demonstrable experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and satellite system validation.
- Familiarity with GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) systems.
- Experience with satellite simulation environments and comprehensive testing strategies.
- Knowledge of version control systems such as Git.
- Ability to perform trade-off analyses for ADCS design optimisation.
- Lead the design and continuous improvement of the satellites Attitude Determination and Control System, integrating sensors, actuators, and control software to meet mission objectives.
- Develop sophisticated algorithms to manage various pointing modes and attitude adjustments, ensuring stability and accuracy.
- Perform detailed modelling, simulation, and system performance analysis to refine ADCS hardware and software integration.
- Specify and evaluate ADCS components such as reaction wheels, magnetorquers, star trackers, and inertial measurement units; oversee their integration into the spacecraft.
- Plan and execute comprehensive testing regimes, including hardware-in-the-loop simulations and on-orbit commissioning, to validate ADCS performance.
- Support on-orbit operations, including calibration, maneuver planning, and troubleshooting to guarantee sustained mission success.
- Embedded
- Git
- Hardware
- Support
- Matlab
- Python
- C++
More:
We are a pioneering company at the forefront of space technology, operating within the rapidly growing aerospace sector and specialising in ultra-low Earth orbit satellite platforms and revolutionary propulsion systems. We offer an inspiring environment built on innovation, ownership, creativity, and collaboration, where you will contribute to groundbreaking satellite missions that help advance global connectivity and insight. We also provide comprehensive benefits, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and relocation assistance for international candidates.
last updated 30 week of 2026
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About IO Associates

IO Associates
Reading
IT
Skills & Technologies
Inferred from job description
Salary Insight
£70,000
This role
£60,000
UK median
This salary is 17% above the UK median for Software Engineers (£60,000/yr).
Based on 2024–2025 UK technology sector benchmarks