Lead GNC/AOCS Engineer

Darwin Space are currently hiring for a Lead GNC/AOCS Engineer in Toulouse.Key Responsibilities* Define and maintain detailed specifications, architecture, and interface documents for the AOCS subsystem* Design and analyse attitude sensors (star trackers, sun sensors, Earth sensors, gyroscopes), actuators (reaction wheels, magnetorquers), as well as Solar Array Drive Mechanism (SADM) control and propulsion pointing systems based on mission requirements* Perform sizing and performance calculations for the AOCS subsystem across all mission phases, including contingencies, margins, and redundancies* Develop software tools for analysis, monitoring, and diagnostics of AOCS performance in orbit* Model, simulate, and analyse extreme mission scenarios to validate system robustness* Select and qualify AOCS components suitable for the space environment (LEO to GEO), considering constraints such as radiation, atomic oxygen, and temperature* Participate in manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) activities* Lead all AOCS-related testing, including functional, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC, and vibration tests* Present at key design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure system maturity* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimise system performance and conduct trade-off analyses* Maintain verification procedures and work with production and test teams to improve processes and test setups* Support launch operations and in-orbit operations (monitoring and anomaly resolution)* Develop and maintain software tools for validating performance and debugging AOCS anomalies* Lead and support software teams in implementing changes to prevent recurrence of known anomalies* Define and optimise internal processes, particularly for anomaly management and resolutionRequired Skills & Experience* Engineering degree with a specialisation in the space sector* Minimum 3 years’ experience in AOCS engineering (satellite/space), including at least one successfully launched small satellite mission* Strong fundamentals in AOCS: rigid body dynamics, differential equations, coordinate transformations, 3D geometry, control loops, state estimation, basic orbital mechanics* Good knowledge of AOCS sensors and actuators, including performance optimisation and limitations (reaction wheels, magnetorquers, star trackers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GNSS)* Experience in in-orbit anomaly resolution with a systematic root-cause analysis approach* Proven experience managing complex, multidisciplinary systems across their full lifecycle, including operations and maintenance* Knowledge of control systems, mechanics, and electronics is a plus* Proficiency in Python, C++, or MATLAB* Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders (suppliers, technical teams, etc.)* Professional-level English required* Leadership, scientific rigour, and attention to detail are key strengths for this roleDarwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.James Godfrey