Defence Flight Dynamics Engineer

Astroscale; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working available

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Private healthcare

Relocation allowance considered

Visa sponsorship considered

Job summary

Astroscale UK is seeking a Flight Dynamics Engineer to contribute to the development and evolution of flight dynamics products for space control. You will work with the in-house suite, provide guidance to customers, and help shape product direction within an Agile framework.

The role involves design, development, and verification tasks, interface with suppliers, and producing technical documentation. Candidates should have a Masters in Astronautics and relevant space/defence experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Astronautics, or related subject, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial Space or defence flight dynamics experience.
• UK SC level clearance or eligibility to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, validate and maintain new software elements of the Flight Dynamics systems for defence missions.
• Support business development and bid activities related to space control.
• Develop and specify flight dynamics algorithms for the space control software.
• Review flight dynamics design and related documentation.
• Capture requirements and convert to use cases and stories.
• Down-select features for ongoing product versions.
• Support verification, validation and integration with the wider Ground Segment.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Flight dynamics

MATLAB

Python

Security clearance

English proficiency

SCRUM

Education

Master’s degree in Astronautics or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Astroscale UK is seeking a talented and motivated Flight Dynamics Engineer to play a key role in the development and evolution of flight dynamics products focused on space control. Working alongside existing flight dynamics team members, commercial defence team and Chief Engineer to ensure that products and services are developed to address customer needs.

The core of the product is the software which will integrate directly with our in‑house flight dynamics suite, however the projects will also involve providing thought leadership, training and advice to customers. The product will continue to evolve, in line with the developing needs of our customers. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, influencing product direction, and contributing to cutting‑edge space domain awareness and control programmes within an Agile development environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, validate and maintain new software elements of the Flight Dynamics systems for operating missions for defence customers.
• Support business development and bid activities associated with space control.
• Develop and specify the required flight dynamics algorithms for the space control software.
• Review all flight dynamics design and procedure related documentation.
• Requirements capture, definition, tailoring, analysis and conversion to use cases and stories.
• Down selection of features to be included in ongoing versions of the product.
• When the mission includes the space control product:
  • Participate and or support the wider Ground Segment verification, validation and integration.
  • Support on the Mission System Test and or Simulation campaigns.
  • Support the Operations team to resolve technical issues and providing advice on best practice.
• Interface with the external suppliers’ teams acting as a Product Owner or Technical Officer and provide support to the development team during the ground segment development phase.
• Follow the Agile (SCRUM) methodology to ensure implementation of the requirements and maintain the schedule.
• Produce and maintain product documentation to good standard including requirements, verification and validation plan, test procedures, test reports, etc.

Essential Skills

• Master’s degree in Astronautics, or other relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial Space, or defence, flight dynamics experience.
• Current holder, or eligible to obtain, UK SC level clearance or higher.
• Excellent knowledge of orbital mechanics.
• Excellent knowledge of flight dynamics systems.
• Experience in using simulation software MATLAB or similar.
• Experience in using python software.
• Experience with Mission Analysis.
• Experience with requirements definition.
• Fluent in spoken and written English language.
• Operations experience and ability to interact with spacecraft operations engineers.
• Knowledge in project life cycle and acceptance procedures.
• Software product development experience, (requirement, design, development, integration & testing, deployment, maintenance).

Desirable skills

• Knowledge of ECSS standards.
• 5+ years of industry experience in software development and software engineering.
• Knowledge of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Flight Dynamic Systems.
• Knowledge of Windows and Office.
• Basic knowledge of Linux.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology.
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment.
• Optional 9/75 working pattern.
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements).
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday.
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay.
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit).
• Relocation allowance considered.
• Visa sponsorship for employees considered.
• State of the art office and cleanroom facility.
• Regular social events.

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell).

About Astroscale

Astroscale is the global leader in on‑orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space. The company delivers a variety of innovative and scalable on‑orbit servicing solutions, including life extension, refurbishment, upgrades, in‑situ space situational awareness, end‑of‑life, and active debris removal. Since its first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA‑d and ADRAS‑J missions. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat. As more satellite operators adopt on‑orbit servicing to routinely inspect, relocate, remove, and extend the life of spacecraft, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked. Headquartered in Japan, Astroscale has a global presence with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Israel. Find out more about Astroscale at www.astroscale.com.

At Astroscale UK we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astroscale UK is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale UK operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.