GNC-AOCS Sensors and Actuators Engineer

GNC-AOCS Sensors and Actuators Engineer

Location: Noordwijk, Netherlands
Application deadline: 22 January 2026
Reference number: 0395

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

On behalf of ESA, we are looking for a GNC-AOCS Sensors and Actuators Engineer to work at ESTEC’s premises in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

About the client and location

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. As ESA’s largest test centre, it is responsible for the majority of space technology and spacecraft development through varying phases of production.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Support in R&D activity reviews and meetings and reporting on the R&D activity development, progress and planning.
• Support the definition, review, tailoring and implementation of European standards in the AOCS/GNC sensors and actuators domain.
• Support anomaly investigations, both during development on ground and in-flight; 8 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.
• 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).

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in adequate fields, such as Control Engineering and/or Aerospace Engineering and/or Electrical Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in AOCS/GNC sensors, as well as their related development and procurement activities, including the detailed design and qualification process.
• Sound knowledge of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape.
• Hands‑on hardware experience.
• Experience with laboratory and field testing of relevant technical equipment.
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews.
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work and proposal evaluation).
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Specific experience with star trackers, including algorithms.
• Sound understanding of at least one gyroscope technology (FOG, CVG, RLG, etc.).
• Knowledge of radiation effects in space electronics.
• Previous experience in an R&D laboratory environment.
• Understanding of spacecraft system design and spacecraft operations.
• Space hardware development using COTS components (such as automotive-grade EEE).

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward‑thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

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