ADCS Engineer

Location: Reading (London), United Kingdom. Hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. Relocation support and visa sponsorship are available for candidates joining from abroad.

Company

hirify.global Space develops ultra-low Earth orbit satellites operating at approximately 200 km to advance global connectivity and insight.

What you will do

• Lead the development and evolution of spacecraft ADCS architecture, including sensors, actuators, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, and control algorithms.
• Design and implement advanced algorithms for pointing modes, attitude control, and satellite stability.
• Characterise sensors and actuators, model system performance, and develop satellite simulators for validation.
• Specify, evaluate, select, and integrate ADCS hardware such as star trackers, IMUs, and sun sensors.
• Plan and execute hardware-in-the-loop tests, ground simulations, integration testing, and in-orbit commissioning.
• Support on-orbit GNC calibration and operations, including manoeuvre planning and fault management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience developing, testing, and operating spacecraft attitude determination and control systems.
• Strong knowledge of ADCS sensors and actuators, including IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers, reaction wheels, and magnetorquers.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems and experience with Python and MATLAB for simulation and data processing.
• Understanding of closed-loop control systems, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft dynamics, including trade-off analysis.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, satellite simulation, ADCS algorithm validation, and comprehensive test planning.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on pioneering ion propulsion technology and an ultra-low Earth orbit satellite platform.
• Participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology with significant ownership and responsibility.
• Competitive salary and equity participation.
• Private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, plus annual healthcare check-ups.
• Hybrid work arrangement with one dedicated remote day each week.
• Relocation package and visa sponsorship for eligible international hires.