Senior Space Robotics Engineer

Mission Control Space Services; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company at the forefront of space exploration is seeking a Senior Space Robotics Engineer. This exciting role involves developing cutting-edge technology for robotic space missions, including satellite servicing and planetary rovers. You will work with a passionate team of engineers and scientists, tackling complex challenges in the emerging space economy. If you're a versatile self-starter with a strong background in robotics and software development, this is your chance to make a significant impact in the space sector. Join us in inspiring the next generation through groundbreaking projects and contribute to humanity's exploration of the solar system!

Benefits

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package

Wellness plan (health, vision, dental)

Unlimited unpaid time off

Relocation assistance

Two weeks of sick/personal leave

Employee Stock Option plan

Flexible working hours

Family-friendly workplace

Bi-weekly coffee chats

Qualifications

• 7+ years in technology development, robotics, or R&D.
• Strong programming skills in C++, Rust, TypeScript, and Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Guidance, Navigation and Control algorithms.
• Lead projects related to integrating robots with the Spacefarer platform.

Skills

C++

Rust

TypeScript

Python

Guidance, Navigation and Control

Sensor Fusion

Computer Vision

Path Planning

ROS2

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Graduate degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Docker

Postgres

Redis

Grafana

Job description

Mission Control located in Ottawa, Canada. We’re looking for enthusiastic and talented individuals to join our team.

About Us

Mission Control empowers explorers to advance their space missions. We innovate to make modern software viable to use in space, unlocking the potential of new scientific and commercial opportunities on Earth, Moon, Mars, and Beyond.

We have a clear vision: to be a workplace where a diverse and thoughtful mix of talented people want to learn and do their best work. We are inspired by a vision of the world in which access to space is ubiquitous and inspires all humans to treasure planet Earth and marvel at the universe.

Please visit our website to learn more about our team and ongoing projects: https://missioncontrolspace.com.

About the Job

Mission Control is seeking a Senior Space Robotics Engineer to expand our technology portfolio of solutions for robotic space missions. As part of our team you will develop technology that pushes the boundaries of the possible for operating and automating space robotic missions for satellite servicing, space manipulators and planetary rovers. The ideal candidate is passionate about building ground and flight software solutions to automate space robotic operations across Technology Readiness Levels. We are seeking candidates who enjoy critical and strategic thinking, have a deep understanding of guidance, navigation and control across space robotic platforms, thrive on technical communication with multiple stakeholders internally and externally, and find creative solutions to meet the challenges of everything from fundamental R&D to flight missions.

You could be a good fit for this role if you are passionate about making an impact on the space sector and want to contribute to growing a small company from the ground up! You will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks with the potential to make a difference in the emerging space economy, so you must be a versatile self-starter who works well in teams and isn’t afraid to learn something new.

You will support and become a critical member of our team – a team of engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts, who are passionate about being part of humanity’s next bold steps in space exploration, with a view to inspiring the next generation and the public through our work and our contributions to exploring the solar system!

Tasks and Responsibilities

As a Senior Space Robotics Engineer, you will:

1. Develop, test and implement Guidance, Navigation and Control algorithms for rover and robotic manipulator operations as part of flight and/or ground segment software, which include but are not limited to sensor fusion, simultaneous localization and mapping, visual odometry, obstacle detection, path planning, state estimation.
2. Lead and participate in concept studies, requirements analysis, design tradeoffs, architecting, software design and implementation for space robotic GN&C solutions, including potential interactions with customers.
3. Lead and support projects related to integrating internal and customer robots with Mission Control’s Spacefarer platform.
4. Lead and support research and development in a wide range of space robotics applications areas including but not limited to autonomous navigation and proximity operations in low bandwidth and high latency environments.
5. Lead and support flight and analogue robotic operations.
6. Manage our robotic hardware and software infrastructure used to support R&D initiatives, flight technology development, analogue mission services and outreach activities.

Skills and Experience

As a Senior Space Robotics Engineer you have:

1. 7+ years of work experience in technology development, robotics, space, R&D or related fields.
2. A Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, e.g. engineering, physics, data science, computer science, mathematics etc., graduate degree an asset.
3. Great programming skills. You have experience with a system programming language (C++, Rust) and a high-level language (TypeScript, Python). You’ve worked with and designed APIs that can be used by others. Experience with git and Linux systems is a must;
4. Experience with various types of robotics-related concepts and algorithms such as Transformation Frames, Sensor Fusion, Guidance Navigation and Control, Computer Vision, Path planning for Mobile Robots or Robotic Arms, Behavioral Command Trees. This can include R&D work to develop such algorithms, use of algorithms devised by others and provided as Commercial Software, Open-Source packages or publications, or production deployments of such algorithms.
5. Ability to work independently and oversee the work of technical staff, adapting to changing needs across projects and programs.
6. Ability to communicate with and present ideas and concepts to executive leadership, engineering management, and technical teams.
7. Working knowledge of ROS2 or ROS and hands-on experience in mobile robots (hardware and/or software, both is ideal).
8. Bonus points for: Experience with technologies such as Yamcs, Postgres, Redis, Grafana, Docker; Experience with cloud tools; Experience or demonstrated interest in orbital dynamics and spacecraft design; Experience or familiarity with space industry, standards, development phases, government procurement and commercial space sector.

Soft Skills:

1. Ability to prioritize workload and work efficiently and autonomously.
2. Proven capacity to meet deadlines in an environment with constantly shifting priorities; ready to showcase your organizational and time management skills.
3. Proactive approach to problem-solving and strong decision-making skills.
4. Motivated/skilled in finding new processes/tools to improve workflow.
5. Professional level written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Bonus points for:

Special Comments

Security: Successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a security clearance in Canada at the reliability status level (and potentially at the higher levels), and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

Due to the security clearance required for Mission Control's facility, only Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible at this time.

Location:

Mission Control is located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Some travel may be required at certain times for this role, always following the Health and Safety Guidance of the Government of Canada.

What’s In It For You?

1. Be on the forefront of space exploration and the emerging commercial space industry.
2. Work to solve problems with a team of intelligent, fun people!
3. Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits Package including vacation pay, wellness plan (health, vision, dental) and unlimited unpaid time off.
4. Relocation assistance for eligible employees.
5. Two weeks of sick/personal leave per year.
6. Employee Stock Option plan for equity sharing.
7. Flexible working hours.
8. Work in a respectful and inclusive workplace. It is extremely important to us that all employees feel safe and supported at work, and feel able to bring their whole selves to work.
9. Be part of a family-friendly company, where we understand the needs of working parents with young children (because many of us are too!).
10. Bi-weekly coffee chats for connecting with colleagues socially, and for mentorship by senior staff.

How To Apply

Please apply directly through this posting, or send your application by email to [e-mail]. Application materials include:

1. Cover letter and resume as a single PDF (required).
2. Portfolio material, references, or other indications of exceptional past work (optional).

During the hiring process we may ask to see examples of previous work or ask for a small project.

As part of our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we accept and encourage anonymized resumes.

We will accept applications until the position is filled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.