Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from Cubesats up to 250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification, and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation.

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for an enthusiastic R&D System Engineer who will be part of our Research & Development Department, contributing to the definition, analysis and maturation of innovative concepts for future space missions. The role will focus on early-phase mission studies (Phase A) and on the development of system-level architectures for both single-spacecraft and distributed mission concepts.

The Research & Development Department is responsible for exploring, prototyping, and maturing innovative solutions, with the objective of enabling their adoption in future missions and real-world applications.

We foster a collaborative environment where every Argonaut can contribute with their ideas and expertise, create meaningful value together, and transform feedback and mistakes into opportunities for learning and innovation, growing both professionally and personally, as individuals and as a team.

DUTIES

As an R&D System Engineer, you will contribute to the definition, analysis and validation of system-level solutions for next-generation space missions, with particular emphasis on mission concept development and early design phases.

You will play a key role in the study of Phase 0 / Phase A missions and internal feasibility studies and concepts, supporting the exploration of alternative architectures, the identification of mission drivers and constraints, and the assessment of technical feasibility and system performance.

The activities will include (but not limited to): 

• Definition of mission scenarios and operational concepts;
• Derivation of system-level requirements;
• Support to Phase 0 / Phase A mission studies, including mission objectives definition, architectural trade-offs, and risk identification;
• Support to the definition and assessment of preliminary system budgets (mass, power, data, ΔV, performance margins);
• Drive technical trade-offs and support decision-making across different system concepts and mission architectures;
• Development of system-level architectures, with focus on functional decomposition and subsystem allocation;
• Execution and supervision of system-level analyses and simulations to validate proposed concepts;
• Definition of KPIs to assess mission and system performance during early design phases;
• Contribution to Verification and Validation strategies, tailored to early development and prototyping activities;
• Collaboration with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Product Management) and external partners (space agencies, research centres, universities);
• Assessment of the required delta developments and design changes to Argotec’s avionic systems and standard platforms.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical fields;
• At least 3 years of experience in a space system engineering, mission analysis or early‑phase design role, or a PhD in related disciplines;
• Analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams;
• Proactive, structured, and detail‑oriented mindset;
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES & SKILLS

• Ability to formulate mission concepts and requirements suitable for analysis and simulation;
• Understanding of system-level aspects of space missions, including operational, architectural and programmatic constraints;
• Experience with system-level simulations and performance assessments;
• Continuous learning attitude and commitment to excellence;
• Ability to manage multiple bids and priorities simultaneously, working under tight deadlines.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Experience with Phase 0 / Phase A mission studies, preferably in ESA or institutional programs;
• Familiarity with avionics subsystems and architectures at system level (e.g. OBC, PCDU, data handling, fault tolerance concepts);
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or structured systems engineering approaches;
• Previous experience in technical proposal writing.
  
   

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC? 

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.
• Monthly "Free-Day" - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
• A diversified community that organizes extra-work and fun activities.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation, and a final in-person meeting. Your recruiter will share more insights during your first meeting with us!

At Argotec, we thrive on diverse perspectives and unique strengths. Your individuality could be the missing piece to our puzzle! Even if you don't meet every skill listed above, we encourage you to apply if you're passionate about the role and believe you can contribute to our team's success.

Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99). In the event of equal qualifications, priority may be given to candidates who meet these criteria.

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless – for instance – of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.