The English-language job board for Spain

Senior AOCS Systems Engineer

On-site in Barcelona·Added 6 months ago (last checked 9 Oct)

Open Cosmos

37 open roles

Overview

Work mode
On-site, Barcelona
English
Required
Experience
Senior level

Visa options

  • The ad rules out sponsorship

    The advert says visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role.

Find jobs with visa support

Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

You're a hands-on engineer with strong analytical capability, practical intuition, and a passion for building real spacecraft. You'll bring:

  • Proven ability designing, analysing and testing AOCS subsystems (sensors, actuators, algorithms or control software).

  • Hands-on familiarity with high-end AOCS solutions for EO or telecommunications missions.

  • Strong proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and simulation model development.

  • Understanding of hardware/software interfaces, electronics, or embedded systems relevant to AOCS.

  • Experience in laboratory validation, test automation or iterative prototyping.

  • Working knowledge of FMECA, FDIR, and CONOPS development.

How you work:

  • Proactive, self-driven and motivated by ownership of performance and outcomes.

  • Structured, analytical and calm in the face of complexity or ambiguity.

  • Collaborative, open and willing to support and teach others.

  • Practical, hands-on, and solutions-focused with strong engineering intuition.

  • Customer-oriented, able to translate mission needs into subsystem-level design decisions.

Pay & benefits

Visa & relocation

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

The role

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world's biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on...

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It's a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

Our Systems Team brings together brilliant Systems, AOCS and Thermal Engineers who turn ambitious mission concepts into reality. They design, integrate, and optimise every detail - from spacecraft architecture to next-generation optical payloads - making sure every system fits, works, and thrives in orbit. From first sketch to launch day, they own the journey, ensuring our satellites deliver maximum impact back on Earth.

What you'll do

As a senior member of our Systems Engineering team, you will:

  • Lead the delivery of robust, high-quality AOCS solutions across multiple satellite missions-ensuring technical performance, reliability, and on-time delivery.

  • Own the AOCS subsystem architecture: defining requirements, contributing to FMECA, shaping FDIR strategies, and supporting CONOPS development.

  • Model, simulate, and analyse AOCS concepts, algorithms, sensor suites and actuator configurations, performing trade-offs and optimisation studies.

  • Develop and maintain AOCS simulation environments, analysis tools, and test equipment.

  • Plan and conduct lab tests, including hardware-in-the-loop and software validation activities.

  • Interpret test results, identify issues, and drive corrective actions to improve performance.

  • Maintain and evolve the AOCS roadmap-identifying capability gaps and introducing new technologies aligned with EO, telecom and demonstration mission needs.

  • Support bids and pre-sales work with feasibility assessments and technical contributions.

  • Provide expert guidance to mission teams, operations, and customers on AOCS behaviour and operational considerations.

  • Collaborate closely with suppliers and partners to evaluate sensors, actuators, algorithms, and emerging solutions.

description

Aim high, go beyond!

Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO)

For this role you can be based in any of our locations.

Please submit your application in English.

About Open Cosmos

Open Cosmos is a space technology company that designs, builds, and operates satellites and space missions. The company provides end-to-end solutions for space missions, from satellite design and manufacturing to launch and operations, serving clients in the Earth observation and communications sectors. They are known for their 'smallsat' missions and their focus on making space more accessible and affordable.

Open Cosmos has a growing presence in Spain, with offices in Barcelona and a team of engineers and scientists working on various space projects. The company's work culture is international and collaborative, with English as the working language, making it an attractive destination for international professionals. They offer a range of roles from engineering to operations, and their Spain-based positions are part of a global effort to advance space technology.

Industry
Space Tech
Founded
2015
Employees
100–250
Headquarters
Harwell, UK
In Spain
Barcelona

Good to know if you are moving

  • The company's working language is English, making it accessible for international professionals.
  • Open Cosmos has a strong presence in Barcelona, Spain, which is a major hub for their space engineering and data operations.
  • They offer a range of technical roles, from engineering to software development, which are well-suited for international talent.
  • The company is actively growing its Spain operations, indicating potential for career growth in the region.
  • They are involved in the growing small satellite market, a sector with increasing global relevance.

In their own words

About the company & team

  • Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.

  • A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.

  • A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.

All open roles at Open Cosmos
WhatsApp

Systems Engineer

Open Cosmos1mo ago
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed

Senior Mission Concept Engineer

Open Cosmos1mo ago2 openings
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed

Optical Systems Engineer

Open Cosmos1mo ago
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed

FPGA Engineer

Open Cosmos1mo ago
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed

Mission Concept Engineer

Open Cosmos1mo ago
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed
Remote, BarcelonaNo Spanish needed

Mission Manager

Open Cosmos1mo ago
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed

AIT Technician

Open Cosmos3mo ago
BarcelonaNo Spanish needed
Hybrid in BarcelonaNo Spanish needed
BarcelonaNo Spanish needed
See all 37 jobs