ADCS Engineer

ADCS Engineer - Ahmedabad, India

catalyx space is seeking a driven ADCS Engineer with expertise in developing, simulating, and implementing attitude determination and control algorithms for nanosatellites or CubeSats. This role in Ahmedabad, India, involves designing control logic, simulating satellite dynamics, integrating sensors and actuators, and ensuring precise satellite orientation in orbit. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical, modeling, and embedded implementation skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and simulate attitude control algorithms for nanosatellites.
• Develop attitude estimation filters (e.g., 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 hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing for flight readiness.
• Perform Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) 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 a 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++.
• Familiarity 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.