Senior Computer Vision Engineer

Aimlroles; Harwell; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Hybrid working

Relocation support

Private healthcare

Life insurance

State-of-the-art office and cleanroom

Regular social events

Flexible working around core hours

Job summary

Astroscale UK (Harwell) seeks a Senior Computer Vision engineer to design, verify and deploy advanced computer vision software for spacecraft and ground systems. You will contribute to our UK CV team within the Algorithms and Software Group, collaborating across disciplines to deliver mission‑ready solutions.

The role requires 5+ years of CV algorithm development, strong Python/Matlab/C/C++, OpenCV and ML/DL experience, plus a track record in sensor data processing and system verification.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of computer vision algorithm development and deployment.
• Strong background in image processing and ML/DL.
• Ability to design and verify CV systems for space applications.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop and test campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop CV algorithms for space object detection, tracking, and 6DoF pose estimation.
• Define subsystem architectures and performance budgets.
• Support hardware procurement and integration with ground systems.
• Lead verification, validation, and testing activities.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure software-hardware compatibility.
• Mentor junior engineers and conduct state-of-the-art research.

Skills

Computer vision

Python/Matlab/C/C++

Machine learning / deep learning

CV algorithm deployment

Problem solving

Collaborative skills

Education

Masters degree in Computer Science

Tools

OpenCV

TensorFlow

PyTorch

ROS/ROS2

Git

Job description

Astroscale UK (ASUK) is seeking a technically strong and experienced Senior Computer Vision engineer to join our UK-based Computer Vision team, a key part of our global Algorithms and Software Group. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, verification, and deployment of advanced computer vision algorithms and software for spacecraft and ground systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop computer vision algorithms for space object detection and tracking, and 6DoF pose estimation for space applications.
• Support the definition of computer vision subsystem architectures, requirements, and performance budgets aligned with mission objectives.
• Support computer vision hardware procurement (e.g. LIDAR system, cameras, etc.) for XXX missions
• Contribute to computer vision verification & validation planning and execution, including performance assessment and requirements verification
• Support the computer vision subsystem test activities, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) campaigns, and integrated system testing.
• Support the integration and testing of flight software implementations of computer vision algorithms.
• Support the computer vision hardware procurement activities working collaboratively with vendors and supplier chain management engineers.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (Systems, GNC, Flight Dynamics, etc.) in the planning, design and development of ASUK missions/systems to ensure software and hardware performance and compatibility
• Review other engineers work and guide more junior engineers in the field.
• Conduct state-of-the-art research into computer vision algorithm designs relevant to our missions.
• Contribute to system level activities, such as defining FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) and FDIR (Fault/Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) processes.

Essential Skills

• Masters degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, other relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' industrial or research experience in computer vision algorithm development and deployment.
• Strong understanding of computer vision principles, image processing, machine learning and deep learning techniques
• Demonstrated experience developing computer vision algorithms from concept through validation and deployment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Proactive and self-managing.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, willing to collaborate effectively with people in different roles and with different cultural & technical backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills: Articulate complex ideas in an easy, clear manner.
• Strong programming skills in Python/Matlab/C/C++ for computer vision applications, including familiarity with popular computer vision libraries and frameworks such as OpenCV, TensorFlow and PyTorch.
• Understanding of LIDAR and Camera sensors principles.
• Knowledge on Software testing and Software integration.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Good understanding of software configuration management and version control tools (Git and Git-flow workflows).
• Basic knowledge of space system design.

Desirable skills

• Experience with vision-based navigation in space
• Experience with designing experimental testbed for generating/collecting data to be used for algorithms training
• Knowledge of rigid body dynamics and kinematics.
• Good understanding of spacecraft systems
• Previous relevant experience in the space industry.
• Practical experience in development of embedded systems software (C, C++) in related industrial context or other experience in safety critical software.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks (e.g., Jenkins).
• Familiarity with ROS, ROS2, or similar robotics middleware
• Knowledge of LiDAR signal processing, sensor fusion, and multi-sensor perception systems.

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
  
• 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.