Automation engineer in space domain sensor development (Espoo, Finland)

Why this role exists

Space underpins everyday services from navigation and communications to weather forecasting and national security. But Earth orbit is becoming increasingly congested. Debris drives avoidable satellite risk, forces costly maneuvers, and threatens long-term usability of key orbits.

There are over 1 million potentially hazardous debris objects larger than 1 cm, and tens of millions larger than 1 mm, yet only a fraction are routinely tracked. You can’t avoid what you can’t see.

About Aavuus

Aavuus is building a global network of ground-based sensors to detect and track orbital objects with high precision, improving space situational awareness (SSA) and enabling better collision avoidance for space operators worldwide.

We’re a small, highly technical team (currently 5–10 people). We value ownership, practical problem-solving, and respectful collaboration. You’ll have real autonomy and you’ll be able to ship real hardware.

What you’ll do

As our Automation Engineer you drive the development of our next-generation sensor system. In this role you will own key parts of the system’s mechanical and electrical design, and bring the platform from early prototype to a fully operating system on an ambitious schedule.

You are expected to deliver:

• A first moving prototype in ~3 months

• A fully operating prototype in ~6 months

You’ll work closely with a team specialized in photonics, data analysis, observations, space geodesy, and commercialization.

Responsibilities include:

You will take hands-on responsibility across the full build cycle including design, purchasing, integration, testing, and documentation while solving challenging automation problems such as:

• Multi-axis motion control integrated with telescope software

• System integration of lasers, detectors, timers, and cameras with sub-nanosecond synchronization

• Orchestration of a fleet of telescopes

• Designing and implementing user interfaces for operations and monitoring

• Designing and building new hardware and subsystems as needed

• System mounting, installation, and field deployment support

Depending on your experience, you may also take on:

• Technical leadership and mentoring

• Planning and supplier coordination

• Supervision/training responsibilities

• Supporting grant writing and technical documentation for partners/customers

What we are looking for:

Must-have

• MSc (or equivalent) in technology or a closely related field

• Proven experience in relevant automation topics, including both software and hardware

• Fluent written and spoken English

• EU nationality or existing work permission in Finland

• Clean security history

Nice-to-have

• International experience

• Additional language skills

• Prior experience in space-related projects

• Driving license

• Management/leadership skills

Location, travel, and hours

• Location: Espoo, Finland

• Working hours: flexible hours, but meaningful on-site presence is expected for lab work.

• Travel: occasional travel for field tests and partner/supplier work

• Schedule: field tests may require limited night shifts

Compensation

• Salary: €3,000–€5,000 / month (depending on experience)

• Equity: optional equity program

• Start date: negotiable; we’ll move quickly for the right candidate

Practicalities

• APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. HOWEVER, YOU CAN STILL SEND YOUR RESUME WHILE WE ARE INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES.

• We would like you to add at least 2 referee contacts

• We review applications on a rolling basis and will fill the role as soon as we find the right candidate.

• The process involves at minimum two interviews:

  • With the first interview we assess your cultural fit into our team (online)

  • With the second interview we assess your technical capabilities (on-site)

• If you have any questions relating to the role or the process, you can send an email to info (a) aavuus .com