AOCS Engineer
Other Engineering
Espoo, Finland
AOCS Engineer
Spacecraft Analysis, Orbit and Attitude Control - Engineering
Location: Espoo, Finland / Warsaw, Poland
Reports to Engineering Lead, AOCS Hardware
Permanent
Hybrid
Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO)
The Mission of the AOCS Engineer
You will bring your expertise and passion in topics related to attitude and orbit control for a fleet of tens of Earth-Observation satellites. You work in a multidisciplinary AOCS domain, which is responsible for developing and maintaining all systems directly involved in controlling the spacecraft attitude and orbit.
Your work will have direct impact on our constellation of 40+ satellites in orbit. You will be involved in the complete lifecycle of AOCS systems from design phases to maintenance of existing systems. By analyzing and improving on-orbit performance, defining verification procedures, and leading anomaly investigations, you will ensure our satellites maintain precise attitude control and optimal orbital performance, directly enabling the high-quality SAR imagery we deliver to our customers.
Who We Are
ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. This includes sovereign and turnkey ISR missions leveraging ICEYE’s world-leading synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, as well as access to data from the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. These capabilities enable partners to detect and respond to critical changes anywhere on Earth with unprecedented speed and accuracy – day or night and in any weather, supported by ultra high-resolution imagery and high-frequency revisits.
As a trusted partner for defense, intelligence, security, and maritime domain awareness, ICEYE’s near real-time data creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. Designed for dual use, the platform also serves civil protection and commercial users for natural-catastrophe intelligence, insurance, maritime monitoring (including oil-spill detection), and finance, contributing to global security and community resilience.
ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the US. The company has more than 900 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.
Expected Outcomes
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AOCS Performance & System Design
Analyze and improve on-orbit performance of AOCS components across the constellation
Perform performance analyses and trade studies to evaluate different ADCS and propulsion hardware solutions
Lead market studies and designs for AOCS components and introduce new AOCS components into satellites following established processes
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Operational Reliability
Define, execute and maintain verification procedures for AOCS components
Lead or participate in AOCS anomaly investigations involving engineers from multiple engineering domains to understand root causes
Participate in definition, execution and maintenance of operational procedures related to AOCS
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Technology Development & Continuous Improvement
Propose, evaluate and implement process improvements that affect spacecraft constellation with 40+ satellites in orbit
Lead introduction of new AOCS equipment and/or design updates
Interface with other teams and departments (satellite operations, radar, mechanical, electronic, manufacturing, product)
Role-specific Competences
Thinking from a first-principles mindset - your work will often involve resolving in-orbit anomalies, which you will need to tackle in a systematic manner to understand their root-cause and propose solutions to mitigate those in the future.
Strong understanding of AOCS fundamentals: rigid body motion, differential equations, coordinate transformations, 3d geometry, feedback loops, state estimation. Basic understanding of orbital dynamics.
Strong understanding of underlying principles of operation and failure modes of sensors and actuators used in AOCS: reaction wheels, magnetorquers, star trackers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GNSS.
Strong understanding of performance drivers of AOCS systems.
Proven track record of owning cross-domain systems involving feedback control loops over their complete lifecycle including maintenance and operations.
Demonstrated broad knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines including controls, mechanical and electronics. AOCS is an electromechanical system in the and requires broad perspective to understand it fully
Proficiency in Python, C++ or Matlab.
Role-specific Competences
BS/MS in Physics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar field
2-4 years experience in designing, operating or testing AOCS equipment or space equipment in general
Good understanding of astro-dynamics and fundamental principles of attitude determination and control
Experience working with electronic laboratory hardware (power supplies, oscilloscopes, etc.)
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
Working knowledge of Python and Git
Preferred: Experience in multi-disciplinary environments (electrical, controls, mechanical, thermal)
Preferred: Experience with libraries and/or software used in flight dynamics (e.g. STK, GMAT)
Preferred: Experience working with GNSS
Preferred: Experience with C++
Key Competences
In addition to the requirements above, we evaluate candidates on these key qualities throughout the hiring process:
Intellectual Firepower: Rapidly comprehends, structures and synthesizes complex information, draws accurate conclusions, and communicates them with clarity.
Passion & Work Ethic: Brings sustained motivation, resilience, and high personal standards to every challenge.
Ownership & Action: Assumes full accountability for outcomes, acting decisively, and ensuring commitments are delivered.
Team Player: Works collaboratively across teams, contributing to shared success, and engaging in constructive debate.
Integrity & Growth Mindset: Operates with transparency and humility, learns from setbacks, and actively seeks opportunities to grow.
Application Process
(remote) Talent Acquisition Screening
(remote) Hiring Manager interview
(remote) Take-home technical task and panel interview
(on-site) System thinking workshop
(on-site) Behavioural interview to assess cultural fit
What We Offer at ICEYE
At ICEYE, you will join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. We know that we will succeed only through exceptional people in our team — which is why your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority.
As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. You will benefit from continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration, curiosity, and integrity. ICEYE is a place where your contributions have a visible impact, and where we celebrate success together.
Benefits
A job that matters in a dynamic Defence Technology and Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach
An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment
Occupational healthcare, occupational, and accident insurance
A yearly benefit budget to spend as you wish (i.e. on sport, transport, bike benefit, wellness, lunch, etc.)
Phone subscription with iPhone of choice
Relocation support (i.e. flight tickets, accommodation, relocation agency support)
Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
Inspiring and collaborating offices and silent workspaces enable you to focus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At ICEYE, we believe that diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's our greatest asset.
We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. We know that diverse perspectives breed innovation and creativity, which is why we actively seek out individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.
Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. Join us and be part of a team where differences are not only embraced but cherished, because together, we're stronger.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who may need workplace adjustments. If you require any specific accommodations or assistance during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know.
Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.