Avionics System Engineer - Telemetry and Telecommand (TMTC)

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We want you as a talented Telemetry/Telecommand (TMTC) Engineer to help us in our mission by defining and validating the various telemetry and telecommand interfaces of the spacecraft: Radio-Frequency interface with the ground, Radio-Frequency interface with the space station, bus interface with the space station.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Design and Architecture:

  • Lead the design and development of the Telemetry and telecommand (TMTC) system for the spacecraft, ensuring compliance with high level system requirements (spacecraft, space station & ground).

  • Design the TMTC system and dataflow to meet all mission-critical requirements, including real-time data transmission, command execution, and fault tolerance. Ensure consistency of the data budget with Radio Frequency (RF) and Data Handling and Command system. Elaborate the TMTC frames and configurations to fulfill all spacecraft mission phases.

  • Define and maintain measurement plan of the spacecraft. Collect measurement needs and contribute to the selection of hardware/sensors.

• Integration and Interface Management:

  • Collaborate with other subsystems (e.g., propulsion, power, GNC, payloads, etc.) to ensure seamless integration of the TMTC system.

  • Define and manage the interfaces between the TMTC system and other spacecraft systems, as well as between the spacecraft and the space station or operation centers on ground.

  • Coordinate with space station authorities to ensure compatibility with their communication systems and protocols.

• Verification and Validation:

  • Develop and manage test plan execution for verifying the TMTC system's performance under various mission scenarios.

  • Supervise simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and end-to-end system testing to validate the TMTC system’s functionality and reliability.

  • Analyze test results, identify issues, and implement corrective actions to ensure the system meets mission requirements.

• Regulatory Compliance and Documentation:

  • Ensure that the TMTC system complies with all relevant space industry standards and regulations (e.g., CCSDS, NASA, ESA standards).

  • Prepare detailed technical documentation, including system specifications, design descriptions, test plans, and analysis reports.

  • Support the preparation of safety and mission assurance documentation required for space station docking missions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with other engineering teams, including software, hardware, and systems engineers, to ensure a cohesive and integrated spacecraft design.

  • Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and mission planning meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders.

  • Provide technical support during mission operations, including pre-launch testing and in-orbit operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • 2+ years of experience in avionics systems engineering, with a focus on Telecommand and Telemetry systems.

  • Proven experience in designing and developing communication systems for critical systems, preferably for orbital spacecraft.

• Skills and Competencies:

  • Experience with communication protocols (such as MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, SpaceWire, Serial or CAN buses).

  • Strong understanding of spacecraft avionics, including communication systems, telemetry data handling, and command execution.

  • Proficiency in systems engineering practices, including requirements analysis, system modeling, and verification and validation.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of CCSDS standards and space communication protocols.

• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and spacecraft telemetry systems.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind.

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them.

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.