Spacecraft Structural Engineer

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Your Role This role involves designing and optimising the architecture, algorithms, and integration of sensors and actuators to maintain precise satellite orientation. Key tasks include developing advanced control algorithms, modelling system performance, integrating ADCS hardware, and validating functionality through simulations and testing. Post-launch, the role supports on-orbit operations, including calibration, manoeuvre planning, and troubleshooting to ensure mission success. Responsibilities * System Architecture and Design: Lead the development and evolution of the spacecraft ADCS architecture, including the design and integration of sensors, actuators, reaction wheels, magnetoquers and control algorithms to achieve mission requirements. * Algorithm Development: Design and implement advanced ADCS algorithms to support various pointing modes and attitude control scenarios, ensuring precise control over satellite orientation and stability. * Simulation and Modeling: Perform detailed sensor and actuator characterisation, modelling, and simulation to predict system performance and optimise the design. Develop and utilise satellite simulators for system validation. * Hardware Integration: Specify, evaluate, and select ADCS components, including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, star trackers, IMUs, and sun sensors. Integrate these components into the spacecraft, ensuring seamless interaction with other subsystems. * Testing and Validation: Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, ground-based simulations, and in-orbit commissioning to validate ADCS performance. Troubleshoot and resolve issues during the integration and testing phases. * On-Orbit Operations: Support on-orbit guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system calibration, commissioning, and operations, including maneuver planning and fault management. Fundamental Requirements * Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. * Industry Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in spacecraft attitude determination and control, with hands-on experience in the development, testing, and operation of ADCS systems. * Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of ADCS components and systems, including sensors (IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers) and actuators (reaction wheels, magnetorquers). Experience with GNC systems is a significant plus. * Programming Skills: Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development, with experience in Python and MATLAB for simulation and data processing. Familiarity with version control systems such as Git. * System-Level Understanding: Solid understanding of closed-loop control systems, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft dynamics. Ability to conduct detailed trade-off analyses to optimise ADCS design. * Simulation and Testing: Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, satellite simulation, and ADCS algorithm validation. Ability to design and execute comprehensive test plans. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? * Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations. * Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. * Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success. * Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. * Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. * Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Your role You will be a hands-on technician supporting the build, integration and test of electronic boards, harnesses and mechanical test setups for the AURA gridded-ion thruster. You will work across the full hardware lifecycle - from assembling and inspecting flight-quality electronics and harnesses, through building up bench and mechanical test rigs, to supporting Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) campaigns on the thruster and its control electronics. You will report into the AIT team and work alongside the electronics, control, software and satellite teams, taking direction from engineers while owning the quality and traceability of the hardware you build and test. Key Responsibilities * Assemble, rework and inspect electronic boards to IPC-A-610 Class 3 standards. * Build and terminate wiring harnesses and cable assemblies to IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards. * Crimp, solder and lace harnesses; install backshells, connector savers and EMC / HV protective measures. * Build up mechanical and electrical test setups, including fixtures, jigs and bench instrumentation. * Support AIT activities on the thruster and its electronics, including functional testing, environmental test support (thermal vacuum, vibration) and continuity / insulation checks. * Read and work from schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings and assembly procedures. * Maintain as-built records, test logs, travellers and non-conformance reports to support traceability of flight hardware. * Operate and maintain lab equipment — oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads and DAQ systems. * Support functional, performance and environmental testing of the thruster, its power processing and control electronics, the propellant feed system, and the spacecraft-level integration. Fundamental Requirements * IPC-A-610 Class 3 certification (or equivalent demonstrated experience to Class 3 standards). * IPC/WHMA-A-620 harness and cable assembly certification. * Proven hands-on experience assembling, reworking and inspecting electronic boards and harnesses. * Experience building up mechanical and electrical test setups from drawings and procedures. * Experience supporting AIT or equivalent integration and test activities on electronic hardware. * Confident use of standard lab instrumentation (oscilloscope, multimeter, power supply, electronic load, DAQ). * ESD-aware working practices (ANSI/ESD S20.20 or equivalent). * Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings. * Strong attention to detail and discipline in documentation and traceability. Nice-to-haves * J-STD-001 soldering certification (Space Addendum desirable). * Experience working in a cleanroom or ISO-classified environment. * Space or other high-reliability industry experience (aerospace, defence, medical). * Familiarity with ECSS standards, particularly ECSS-Q-ST-70 (workmanship). * Experience working with high-voltage and/or power electronics hardware. * Basic CAD literacy (SolidWorks, NX or CATIA) for interpreting models and marking up drawings. Personality * Safety-first mindset, particularly around high-voltage, pressurised and vacuum operations. * Comfortable in a fast-moving development environment where hardware and procedures evolve quickly. * Collaborative team player who can take direction from engineers while owning hands-on quality. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? * Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations. * Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. * Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success. * Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. * Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. * Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.