AOCS Engineer

Job description

AOCS Engineer at a Deep Tech Space Startup | Reading, UK | Competitive Salary plus Equity

Many engineers spend their careers working on systems that were proven decades ago by others.

This role is different.

I’m working with a UK deep-tech space startup preparing to launch the first satellite to sustain commercial operations at 200km, about one-third the altitude of conventional LEO. There is no commercial playbook for this. They need an AOCS/ADCS Engineer who can take full ownership of this subsystem, from developing algorithms to on-orbit calibration.

The mission is real, the timeline is active, and this role is important.

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What the role actually looks like:

→ Lead ADCS architecture design for ULEO conditions

→ Develop and tune attitude determination & control algorithms

→ Integrate hardware and run HIL testing at their Reading facility

→ Support post-launch operations and anomaly response

→ Work directly alongside the founders and a 30-person team with ESA, defence, and multi-satellite pedigree

This position is about 60% design and algorithm work, and 40% hands-on integration and testing. You’ll report directly to the CEO and CTO, both of whom are deeply technical, with no middle management.

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You’ll thrive here if you:

✅ Have hands-on spacecraft ADCS/AOCS experience

✅ Are strong on attitude determination algorithms and MATLAB/Simulink

✅ Have integrated sensors (star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels)

✅ Want to own something, not just execute on someone else’s design

✅ Can be on-site in Reading four days a week (this is non-negotiable because the work requires lab access)

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What’s on offer:

Competitive salary

Equity stake

Real R&D, which the team describes as “a PhD on steroids, with more freedom and more funding”

Be part of the first sustained commercial ULEO mission in history

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If you’ve been looking for a role where your work truly determines the success of a satellite mission, this is it.

DM me or drop a comment and I’ll share the full candidate brief.

#SpaceTech #AerospaceEngineering #AOCS #ADCS #SatelliteEngineering #DeepTech #UKSpace

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Reading

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

26-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English