Join Us!

Overview

The Attitude Determination and Control subsystem (ADCS) is the navigational core of AcubeSAT. Not only is it responsible for stabilizing AcubeSAT for the safety of the spacecraft, but it also handles determining and controlling its attitude in orbit for establishing a reliable downlink with the Ground Station.

Position Description

• Development of test procedures and test execution at subsystem level, end-to-end tests with the spacecraft
• Creation of testing configurations (HIL/SIL) for actuators and sensors
• Satellite software development in C/C++
• Firmware development for microcontrollers using FreeRTOS
• Design of PCB prototypes

Preferred Skills

• Ability to work and program collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience with control systems design, modeling and implementation
• Experience with programming in C and C++
• Experience with microcontrollers (e.g. based on ARM, AVR, PIC, or Arduino)
• Experience with communication protocols (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN), electronic testing equipment
• Familiarity with digital design, digital interface ICs
• Familiarity with PCB design and its techniques (KiCad)

Overview

The Embedded Engineer for the AcubeSat project plays a critical role in developing the low-level software infrastructure that enables the nanosatellite’s core functionality. This position focuses on creating reliable, resource-efficient firmware that controls the satellite’s various subsystems. Working at the intersection of hardware and software, this role is crucial for the integration of the various subsystems into one functional satellite.

Position Description

• Satellite software development in C/C++
• Firmware development for microcontrollers using FreeRTOS
• Code and design reviews
• Development of test procedures and test execution at subsystem level, end-to-end tests with the spacecraft
• Identification and troubleshooting of issues with the satellite subsystem

Preferred Skills

• Experience with programming in C
• Experience with programming in modern C++
• Experience with microcontrollers (e.g. based on ARM, AVR, PIC, or Arduino)
• Experience with communication protocols (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN), electronic testing equipment
• Familiarity with digital design, digital interface ICs, or FPGAs
• Git workflow knowledge
• Familiarity with Linux
• Understanding of Real Time Operating Systems

Optional Skills

• Ability to work and program collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• A strong sense of commitment and responsibility
• Capable of translating quantitative engineering approaches into real-world problem solutions
• Capable of navigating previously unknown fields
• Ability to design and execute a research agenda
• Good English written and oral skills

Overview

The Hardware Engineer for the AcubeSAT project is responsible for designing and implementing the electronic systems that control all basic functions of the satellite. This role focuses on developing hardware, creating electrical interfaces between subsystems, and ensuring reliable operation in the space environment. The Hardware Engineer designs PCBs, implements digital communication protocols, and conducts rigorous testing to verify functionality under mission conditions.

Position Description

• Hardware and electrical interface design
• Interface and testing of ICs
• PCB design and troubleshooting
• Code and design reviews
• Development of test procedures and test execution at subsystem level
• Digital electronics & microcontrollers testing
• Identification and troubleshooting of issues within the satellite’s hardware interfaces

Preferred Skills

• Ability to work and design collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience with electronics, hardware and/or PCB design
• Familiarity with digital design and electronic components
• Basic understanding of microcontrollers and embedded systems
• Familiarity with soldering
• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics

Optional Skills

• Experience with programming in C or C++
• Experience with communication protocols (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN), electronic testing equipment
• Experience with microcontrollers (e.g. based on ARM, AVR, PIC, or Arduino)
• Knowledge of power systems and battery management
• Understanding of environmental testing for electronics

Notes

If you don’t have a traditional background, don’t worry-some of our ideal candidates don’t either. What matters is your knack for creative problem-solving. Tell us about something you’ve hacked!

Subsystem Summary

The Communications (COMMS) subsystem is responsible to reliably transfer the largest possible volume of scientific and diagnostic data between the satellite and the Earth, by developing the necessary On-Board and Ground Station hardware and software. COMMS is also in charge of performing system-level electromagnetic analyses on AcubeSAT.

Position Description

As an FPGA Engineer you will learn and apply digital hardware design for FPGAs, combined with digital signal processing.

Required Skills

• Ability to work in a group and independently
• Capable of analytical thinking and researching new fields
• Eagerness of taking initiative
• Good English written and oral skills

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of Hardware Description Languages (mainly Verilog and VHDL)
• Knowledge of programming languages (mainly C/C++)
• Understanding of communication protocols and interfaces (SPI, AXI, USB)
• Basic knowledge of digital design and electronics
• Experience with Xilinx Design Tools and technology ecosystem
• Experience with FPGA design, design verification and IP integration
• Experience with Digital Signal Processing

Overview

The Communications & Operations subsystem is responsible to reliably transfer the largest possible volume of scientific and diagnostic data between the AcubeSAT satellite and the Ground Station. Furthermore, we are responsible for maintaining the ground mission control software, implementing the Telemetry & Telecommand services and automating the nominal pass procedures to ensure smooth operations while AcubeSAT is in orbit.

Position Description

• Design, test, and troubleshoot RF hardware components for both satellite and ground segments
• Develop and implement DSP software for signal processing and modulation schemes
• Build, maintain, and operate the ground station infrastructure
• Create and optimize GNURadio flowgraphs for satellite communication
• Work with YAMCS mission control software for Telecommand and Telemetry services
• Prepare the monitoring and control of spacecraft systems throughout all mission phases
• Develop automated pass procedures and operational sequences
• Perform system-level electromagnetic compatibility analyses

Preferred Skills

• Good English written and oral skills
• Ability to work both in a group and independently
• Knowledge of programming languages (primarily Python, C/C++)
• Git workflow knowledge
• Experience with network programming (UDP/TCP)
• Familiarity with GNURadio or similar SDR platforms
• Basic Linux knowledge

Optional Skills

• Experience with RF electronics / PCB design
• Ham radio operator license or experience
• Experience with mission control software (particularly YAMCS)

Overview

The Structural Engineer for the AcubeSAT project leads the hands-on development of the nanosatellite’s physical architecture, with particular emphasis on practical manufacturing solutions. The Structural Engineer not only designs the satellite structure but actively transforms concepts into reality through prototype development, mockup creation, and extensive manufacturing oversight.

Position Description

• Design manufacturable structural components using 3D CAD software
• Create detailed technical drawings and manufacturing specifications
• Develop and physically build structural mockups and prototypes
• Oversee the practical assembly of structural components
• Perform hands-on testing of structural prototypes
• Translate theoretical FEA results into actionable manufacturing modifications
• Design specialized tooling and fixtures for payload assembly
• Prepare a vibration testing setup and execute environmental tests

Preferred Skills

• Understanding of manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal work, and additive manufacturing
• Experience translating CAD designs into practical manufacturing instructions
• Hands-on experience building and testing structural prototypes
• Practical understanding of material selection based on machinability and performance
• Experience with design for assembly and design for manufacturing principles
• Familiarity with workshop tools and basic machining operations

Optional Skills

• Experience with precision assembly of sensitive hardware
• Experience designing custom test fixtures and assembly jigs
• Experience with vibration testing setup and execution
• Background in prototype development for proof-of-concept validation

Notes

If you don’t have a traditional background, don’t worry-some of our ideal candidates don’t either. What matters is your knack for creative problem-solving, hands-on experience in design and manufacturing. Tell us about something you’ve hacked!

Overview

A Mechatronics Engineer for the AcubeSAT project is responsible for integrating mechanical, electronic, fluidic and optical systems across multiple subsystems of the nanosatellite. This role focuses on bridging disciplines together to develop solutions for the complex in-house Payload (including imaging, fluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies) as well as for the rest of the satellite system.

Position Description

• Design and integrate mechanical and electrical interfaces between the satellite’s structural parts and electronic systems
• Develop assembly procedures and tooling for the complex biological payload integration
• Perform structural analysis for system-level testing configurations
• Troubleshoot issues at the interfaces between mechanical, electrical, and software systems
• Optimize the integration of sensors, actuators, and control systems throughout the satellite
• Support the development and testing of deployment mechanisms

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with CAD software for mechanical design with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and electronics
• Understanding of basic electronic circuit design and PCB layout
• Basic experience with microcontroller programming and hardware interfaces
• Understanding of structural mechanics and basic structural analysis
• Experience with embedded systems and control algorithm implementation

Optional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to prototype, iterate, and test experimental setups
• Experience with system integration and testing of complex assemblies
• Experience with additive (e.g. 3D printing) and subtractive (e.g. CNC) manufacturing techniques
• Familiarity with optical engineering and optical system design

Notes

If you don’t have a traditional background, don’t worry-some of our ideal candidates don’t either. What matters is your knack for creative problem-solving. Tell us about something you’ve hacked!

Overview

The Thermal Subsystem ensures that all satellite components remain within their designated operating and non-operating temperature limits. To determine these temperature ranges and verify material tolerances, we perform detailed thermal analyses using specialized software. Additionally, we conduct physical tests by subjecting the satellite to a range of controlled thermal stresses to simulate on-orbit conditions.

Position Description

• Research on the appropriate active and passive thermal control methods for various crucial components
• Construct a mathematical model of the satellite for thermal analyses
• Conduct and evaluate a range of essential thermal tests to optimize the current design
• Utilize thermal analysis software such as ESATAN-TMS and Simcenter to evaluate the satellite’s thermal performance in orbit

Preferred Skills

• Heat Transfer Theory and Materials Science
• Control Theory
• Finite Elements Method (or any other Discretization method for numerically solving differential equations)
• Experience in systems’ simulation and modeling
• Experience with laboratory equipment (e.g. PSU, multimeter)
• A strong sense of commitment and responsibility

Overview

The Systems Engineering subteam is tasked with ensuring the correct and reliable functionality of the spacecraft and the system level design coordination of all subsystems, while also ensuring compliance with a wide array of standards. Considering that AcubeSAT is in the Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Verification (MAIV) phase, the team is seeking an individual to assist in these activities.

Position Description

• Ensuring the continuity of different processes used for MAIV within the team
• Assisting in the execution of verification activities in Thessaloniki or in other facilities abroad
• Verifying the mechanical assembly of the satellite through the construction of mockups
• Verifying the electrical compatibility of the various subsystems by integrating them in the FlatSat module
• Processing of anomalies using ESA’s Non-Conformance Reporting procedure
• Defining test specification & test procedures for all verification activities
• Communicating with machineries, manufacturers and component providers

Preferred Skills

This position is entry level, meaning that no prior experience in the field is required. The ideal candidate should possess:

• Proficient user of the English language
• Strong analytical & problem solving skills
• Team player with ability to work under pressure
• Previous experience with measuring instruments
• Previous experience with basic hardware projects
• Given the nature of this position, the applicant must be a student residing in Thessaloniki

Optional Skills

• Prototyping skills (3D printing & soldering)
• LaTeX and composition of technical reports
• CAD Software
• Git & Version Control

Overview

AcubeSAT’s Payload is a novel autonomous and miniaturized biological laboratory, designed to perform multiple high-throughput biological/biochemical experiments in-orbit.

Position Description

Biological engineers in the team are responsible for designing and implementing the mission experiment, to study the dynamic response of S. cerevisiae’s proteome in the conditions of Low Earth Orbit. You will get to work with state-of-the-art equipment and novel methods inside a wide range of facilities. The students selected for this position will contribute to:

• Yeast strain engineering, such as genomic tag selection for in-orbit proteome interrogation
• Developing pre-flight preservation methods, including sporulation and desiccation protocols
• Performing microfluidics-based growth assays with time-lapse microscopy
• Running strain radiation sensitivity experiments

Preferred Skills

• Experience in handling laboratory equipment
• Able to adhere to lab safety conditions
• Knowledge of basic statistics
• Passionate about learning and applying quantitative and engineering concepts to biology
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure
• Capable of working well in multidisciplinary groups of peers

Optional Skills

• Familiarity with molecular biology workflows (e.g. cloning methods, PCR)
• Experience with microscopy (e.g. brightfield, fluorescence)
• Prototyping skills (e.g. 3D printing)
• Experience with microfluidics (e.g. soft lithography)
• Experience with programming

Overview

The Fund Raising & Outreach team works to support the AcubeSAT project creatively, socially, and financially. Behind each social media post, presentation template, brochure, and sponsor partnership, you’ll find an outreach team member using their skills to amplify the project’s impact. Come to the dark side; we have Photoshop and Illustrator.

Position Description

• Reach out to potential sponsors and collaborators through various communication channels
• Create and manage compelling content for social media platforms in both Greek and English
• Design eye-catching graphics, presentations, brochures, and promotional material
• Develop and execute strategic outreach campaigns to engage the general public
• Transform complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging content
• Document the team’s progress and achievements through various media formats
• Support the team’s fundraising efforts through creative storytelling
• Maintain the team’s brand identity across all communication channels
• Participate in outreach events to represent the AcubeSAT project

Required Skills

• Creativity and attention to detail
• Strong writing skills and communication abilities
• Fluency in both Greek and English, written and spoken
• Organization and time management capabilities
• Experience with basic graphic design tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Inkscape, Canva, etc.)
• Ability to transform technical information into accessible content
• Strong interpersonal skills for sponsor communications

Optional Skills

• Prior experience in handling social media for teams or organizations
• Experience with fundraising
• Video editing capabilities
• Photography skills
• Proper use of the Oxford comma