GNC-AOCS Sensors and Actuators Engineer [26102]

Job Description

As part of the team at ESTEC you will have the following responsibilities:

Technical support and consultancy in the field of GNC/AOCS sensors and actuators (such as star trackers, gyroscopes, accelerometers, IMUs, magnetometers, Sun and Earth sensors, lidar, hybrid navigation systems, 3D cameras, optical navigation sensors and actuators such as wheels and CMGs) throughout research, development and possibly project phases, including:

- sensors and actuators development:

• Support in defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;

• Support in R&D activity reviews and meetings and reporting on the R&D activity development, progress and planning

• Support the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;

• Support the introduction of any lesson learnt, important information and results from R&D developments, Project support and hands-on activities in common repository

• Support the definition, review, tailoring and implementation of European standards in the AOCS/GNC sensors and actuators domain

• Provide expert technical support in the development of GNC/AOCS hardware units;

• Support anomaly investigations, both during development on ground and in-flight;

• Support the development and validation of Sensors performance or functional models;

• Provide support to ESA in relation to projects for GNC/AOCS hardware units;

• Support the Review and analysis of electronic schematics and drawings;

• Support the review and comment AOCS/GNC equipment design documentation (hardware and software).

-sensors and actuators facilities:

• Conduct tests (incl. writing test plan, procedures, reports) in the AOCS/GNC Sensors Laboratory facility to support independent characterization or investigations;

• Develop and validate ground software (Ground Support Equipment) to interface with AOCS/GNC Sensors or Actuators to enable testing;

• Develop and validate simulation tools for image sensors or cameras (image rendering, detector characterization);

• Maintain laboratory facility inventory, Sharepoint structure and calibration status of equipment;

• Provide support to maintain laboratory facilities and test benches (for safety, nominal operations, enhancements)

   

Qualifications

You will have the following qualifications and relevant experience:

• Master’s Degree in adequate fields, control engineering and/or aerospace engineering and/or electrical engineering (or higher Degree than Master’s degree);

• A minimum 4 years of relevant experience in AOCS and GNC systems engineering;

• Deep knowledge of AOCS/GNC sensors and actuators:

• Sensors: star trackers, gyroscopes, accelerometers, IMUs, magnetometers, Sun/Earth sensors, lidar, optical navigation sensors, hybrid navigation systems, 3D cameras.

• Actuators: reaction wheels, control moment gyros (CMGs), thrusters.

• Experience in sensor characterization and performance modeling.

• Understanding of electronics: ability to review schematics and hardware design documentation.

• Simulation and modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink, Python).

• Ground Support Equipment (GSE) development.

• Image rendering and detector characterization for optical sensors.

• Knowledge of European standards (ECSS) for AOCS/GNC hardware development.

• Conducting tests and writing test plans, procedures, and reports.
• Maintaining laboratory facilities and calibration status.
• Developing and validating simulation tools for sensors and actuators.
•  Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another European language is an advantage.

Additional Information

This job is located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

If you think you have what it takes for this job, please send your CV (in English and in Word or PDF) by clicking on the button “Apply for this job” quoting job NL-HP-26102.

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Inclusive and committed employer, our company works every day to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. That's why, committed to gender diversity and overall inclusivity, we encourage all applications and profiles. Last apply date: 30/07/2026!