Darwin Recruitment are currently hiring for a Lead GNC Engineer on behalf of a company in Germany that borders France and was founded in 2021 and specializes in the development and manufacturing of space capsules designed to return cargo from space. Their primary focus is on providing affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly solutions for life sciences research, particularly in microgravity environments. They offer microgravity on demand, with flight durations ranging from 3 hours to 3 months, catering to research areas such as monoclonal antibodies, stem cells, organoids, and protein crystallization. One of their key technologies is a return Capsule, which can carry payloads up to 100 kg and offers customizable flight durations. The capsule provides both pressurized and vacuum payload bays with selectable temperature setpoints, ensuring suitable environments for various experiments.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

* Lead and manage a team of 4 full-time engineers and working students.

* Provide technical mentorship, training, and support to the team to foster professional growth.

* Assign and monitor tasks, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.

* Act as a role model by maintaining a strong on-site presence (4+ days/week preferred), exemplifying dedication and work ethic.

* Track team performance and progress, identifying areas for improvement and providing feedback.

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Technical Expertise & Responsibilities

* Oversee the development and refinement of GNC systems for the Phoenix 2 capsule.

* Lead efforts for key flight phases, including:

* Control Systems: Reaction control wheels, algorithms, and liquid propulsion systems (6 small thrusters).

* Orbital Mechanics: Deorbit burns, trajectory calculations, and orbital flight path analysis using tools like STK, Astos, and GMAT.

* Re-Entry Dynamics: Aerodynamic design and modeling for supersonic and hypersonic regimes, leveraging prior experience in aerospace or spacecraft re-entry systems.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate GNC with propulsion and avionics systems.

* Develop contingency plans to ensure the reliability and safety of flight operations.

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Avionics System Development

* Design and test avionics systems tailored for spacecraft applications.

* Work with space-qualified electronic components for in-orbit transitions and operational reliability.

* Ensure compliance with space standards and mission requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

* Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

* Experience:

* Minimum 5+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC systems development.

* Proven track record in aerodynamics (supersonic and hypersonic), orbital mechanics, and control algorithms.

* Hands-on experience with propulsion systems and re-entry trajectories.

* Prior experience in avionics design and testing for spacecraft.

* Leadership or managerial experience in a technical capacity.

* Familiarity with software tools: STK, Astos, GMAT, MATLAB, and simulation environments.

* Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Godfrey