The Role
Design, simulate, implement, and validate attitude determination and control systems for nanosatellites and CubeSats. Responsibilities include developing estimation filters and control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, implementing onboard firmware, conducting HIL/SIL testing, performing FMECA, analyzing telemetry, tuning post-launch parameters, coordinating with mission teams, sourcing components, and maintaining technical documentation.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are looking for a driven ADCS Engineer with experience in developing, simulating, and
implementing attitude determination and control algorithms for nanosatellites or CubeSats.
You will be responsible for designing control logic, simulating satellite dynamics, integrating
sensors and actuators, and ensuring the satellite maintains desired orientation in orbit. This
role requires strong analytical, modeling, and embedded implementation skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and simulate attitude control algorithms for nanosatellites.
- Develop attitude estimation filters such as EKF, TRIAD, QUEST using sensor data.
- Select, size, and integrate ADCS hardware including magnetorquers, reaction wheels, gyros, star trackers, and sun sensors.
- Model spacecraft dynamics and validate control system performance using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C++.
- Implement ADCS firmware on onboard flight computers.
- Support HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) and SIL (software-in-the-loop) testing for flight readiness.
- Perform FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) to ensure ADCS reliability and robustness.
- Coordinate with mechanical, thermal, and mission teams to define attitude modes and constraints.
- Work with procurement to identify, evaluate, and source ADCS components and sensors.
- Prepare and maintain detailed documentation for ADCS design, simulation, testing, and flight operations.
- Analyze in-orbit telemetry and tune control parameters post-launch for improved pointing accuracy.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Aerospace, Electronics, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field.
- 2–5 years of experience working on ADCS systems for satellites.
- Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, control theory, and spacecraft attitude dynamics.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++.
- Familiar with embedded implementation and communication protocols.
- Hands-on experience with inertial sensors and actuator control.
Nice to Have (Preferred):
- Practical experience with reaction wheel control or magnetorquer boards.
- Knowledge of Kalman filters and high-fidelity spacecraft modeling.
- Familiarity with STK, GMAT, or Orekit for orbit and attitude visualization.
- Experience working on spaceflight missions with in-orbit validation of ADCS systems.
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
Skills Required
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech degree in Aerospace, Electronics, Controls, Mechatronics, or a related field
- 2-5 years of experience working on satellite ADCS systems
- Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, control theory, and spacecraft attitude dynamics
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C/C++
- Familiarity with embedded implementation and communication protocols
- Hands-on experience with inertial sensors and actuator control
- Practical experience with reaction wheel control or magnetorquer boards
- Knowledge of Kalman filters and high-fidelity spacecraft modeling
- Familiarity with STK, GMAT, or Orekit
- Experience with spaceflight missions and in-orbit ADCS validation
- Willingness to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
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The Company
What We Do
Catalyx Space Inc. develops orbital return vehicles and integrated space infrastructure for heavy-mass, high-power, high-volume missions. Its offerings span launch logistics, in-orbit operations, payload integration, mission control, and recovery, along with unmanned laboratories, testbeds, and reusable re-entry capsules. The company targets space logistics, in-space manufacturing, research, defense, and other commercial applications across low Earth orbit and beyond through vertically integrated mission services.
