Engineering Lead - AOCS Software & GNC

Who are we?

ICEYE is the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, revolutionizing Earth observation with real-time, all-weather, day-and-night imaging. As the owner and operator of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, we provide critical insights that empower industries like maritime, disaster management, insurance, and finance to make informed decisions.

Headquartered in Finland, with a presence in five international locations, our diverse team of 600+ experts from nearly 60 countries shares a bold mission: to enhance life on Earth by delivering reliable, data-driven solutions. At ICEYE, we foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space technology to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

Why Join ICEYE?

At ICEYE, we’re not just launching satellites, we’re redefining what’s possible with SAR technology. Join a team of passionate innovators solving real-world challenges and making a tangible impact. We foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly matter. With continuous learning opportunities, cutting-edge projects, and collaboration with industry-leading experts, you'll have the chance to grow, innovate, and shape the future of Earth Observation.

Why this role?

ICEYE designs, builds & operates the world’s largest commercial SAR constellation—and we continue adding tens of satellites per year. Keeping dozens and hundreds of spacecraft stable, agile and autonomous is an extraordinary control-systems challenge. As our Engineering Lead for AOCS Software, you will guide a high-calibre team that fuses attitude dynamics, sensor fusion and modern software engineering to make satellites we build, operate and sell point exactly where they need to be - every single orbit.

If you’ve ever shipped real-time control code that had to work—whether on a spacecraft, drone, autonomous robot or high-precision industrial platform - you’ll feel right at home. Here, the scale, stakes and variety of problems are even bigger.

What you’ll do

• Own the AOCS software roadmap for the entire ICEYE fleet and upcoming customer missions - attitude control, state estimation, momentum management, sensor fusion, fault detection & recovery.

• Lead & grow a talented squad of control-systems and software engineers: set direction, unblock execution, coach for mastery and nurture an inclusive, high-energy culture.

• Architect, develop and ship production code (primarily Simulink, C++ and Python) that runs on-board all satellites & in HW test environments on the-ground

• Develop tools to predict AOCS performance and perform system sizing, and to verify its performance based on telemetry and simulations.

• Span the full lifecycle - from concept & trade studies through simulation, on-orbit commissioning, anomaly resolution and continual improvement.

• Collaborate across engineering  functions (mission ops, platform, payload, ground systems) to ensure AOCS performance translates into more and sharper images and happier customers.

• Influence next-gen spacecraft design: your models and insight drive hardware specifications for mechanical structure, sensors, actuators and compute.

Requirements

About you

• Proven track record delivering real-time control software for safety-/mission-critical systems (spacecraft, drones, autonomous vehicles, robotics, precision manufacturing…).

• Comfortable leading projects or small teams and creating an environment where engineers can do the best work of their careers.

• Strong grasp of rigid-body dynamics, state estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering) and both modern and classical control theory - you can dig deep when needed, but also understand fundamental limitations of control system design, before running high-fidelity simulations.

• Production-grade coding skills in Simulink or C/C++ plus solid CI/CD habits and test-driven mindset.

• Able to communicate complex control concepts in plain English and align diverse stakeholders around a clear technical direction.

Nice to have

• Satellite attitude-determination & control experience.

• Proven experience with Receding horizon control and/or Trajectory optimization.

• Contributions to open-source control, robotics or astrodynamics libraries.

How we lead @ ICEYE

Our managers live eight leadership behaviors - Make Impossible Possible, Take Bold Actions, Own It, Know the Details, Act as One, Be Nice, Have Fun and See the Big Picture - that creates psychological safety and incredible execution velocity. If that resonates, you’ll thrive here.

ICEYE is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re excited about tackling real-world problems at the intersection of space, autonomy and software, we’d love to meet you.

Benefits

Our Commitment To You

When you apply to a role at ICEYE, we commit to responding to your initial application within 5 working days, if not sooner. When you are contacted by the Talent Partner managing the role, they will be your key point of contact throughout the interview and assessment process. 

We commit to ensuring that you are kept updated about the status of your application, and that any questions you have are answered as soon as possible. The assessment process for this role will follow the structure outlined below. 

• TA Screen

• Hiring Manager Screen

• Task & Technical Interview

• On-Site: Engineer Discipline

• On-Site: Individual Behavior and Mindset

• SVP Interview

Benefits

What’s In It for You?

• A job that matters in a dynamic Earth Observation environment with a scale-up approach

• An independent role with a supportive and diverse work environment

• Occupational healthcare, occupational and accident insurance

• A yearly benefit budget to spend as you wish (i.e. on sport, transport, bike benefit, wellness, lunch, etc.)

• Phone subscription with iPhone of choice

• Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes

• Inspiring and collaborating offices and silent workspaces enable you to focus

• A wide variety of the best coffee, tea, snacks, and sweets to accompany your daily space mission

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At ICEYE, diversity is more than just a value - it's our greatest strength. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but celebrated. Diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity, so we actively seek individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.

No matter your background, we encourage you to bring your authentic self to the team. Join us and be part of a workplace where differences are embraced and valued, because together, we’re stronger.

Apply now to begin your ICEYE journey and help us make the impossible possible.

Learn more about ICEYE and life at our company at iceye.com.

Ready to launch your career? Apply now and help us build the future of Space Tech! 🚀