Robotics Control Engineer – Space and Defence Robotics

We are looking for a Robotics Control Engineer to deal with the design and development of our innovative space robotics applications (in-orbit and planetary), in challenging ESA and EC funded projects.

These projects cover currently the following topics:

Active space mechanisms and their integration in robotics systems

Space actuators and robotics manipulators for defence and on-orbit servicing

Gravity-Offloading System and Health countermeasures systems for astronauts and earth applications.

*

Location: Sint-Stevens-Woluwe (Brussels Area)

Start date: Quarter 1, 2026.

Analyse potential control strategies, carrying out trade-offs accounting for hardware components (motors, sensors, electronics) and taking into account mission requirements

Develop hardware and software test setups to validate the suitability of the control strategies

Develop (low- and high-level) simulation environment to test and validate developed software

Support the end-to-end implementation, testing and optimisation on target robot architectures

Generate the technical documentation required all along the process.

A Master's or PhD degree in mechatronics, control or (robotics oriented) software engineering

At least 3 year of professional experience in an equivalent position

General knowledge on:

• Robotic systems and subsystems

• Control theyory

• Optimized based control

• Common robotics modeling and control theory

Hands-on experience with:

• Robotics software development and frameworks (e.g. ROS-2, Gazebo/Isaac Sim)

• Real-time control and communication (e.g. CAN, EtherCAT)

• Complex software architectures assemblies, deployment and testing (e.g. Docker)

• Continuous Integration processes and agile software development

Proficiency with:

• Embedded programming and microcontroller

• Technical documents production

In addition:

• Good knowledge of Matlab

• Advanced programming skills in C, C++ and Python

Hands-on problem solving skills

Strength to cope with schedules and deadlines

Ability to work in distributed international teams

Excellent organisational and communication skills

Very good written and spoken English.

Working within an exceptional sector with Staff located in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands

A professional and modern working environment with motivated Administrative Staff, Engineers, Astronaut Training Instructors and Scientists coming from all different horizons and countries with a common passion for space and their own expertise

A full-time position with an indefinite contract of employment

A competitive remuneration package and good working conditions

Working from home in part can be a possibility

An individualised training and development programmes.

Space Applications Services NV/SA is an independent Belgian company founded in 1987. Aerospace Applications North America is our Partner company in Houston, USA.

Our aim is to research and develop innovative systems, solutions and products and provide services to the aerospace and security markets and related industries. Our activities cover manned and unmanned spacecraft, launch/re-entry vehicles, control centres, robotics and a wide range of information systems.

The Company develops payloads, avionics, robotics technology and products, and provides complete mission operations control centre solutions to EN9100 standards.

We also provides engineering, science and training services, including astronaut training.

From our headquarters, we are in daily contact with the International Space Station (ISS) ensuring our Customers’ research is successful.

Upload your CV and Motivation Letter, both in English.

The candidate shall be eligible to work in the European Union.