Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

Astroscale Holdings Inc.; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid working

25 days holiday

Life insurance

Private healthcare

Relocation allowance

Social events

Job summary

Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced Full Stack Software Engineer to join the Ground Segment Software team, contributing to mission-critical space systems from Harwell. You will design, develop, and maintain scalable software across the full stack for the Ground Segment of the ELSA-M mission and other projects.

We value strong expertise in backend and frontend development, containerised deployments with Docker/Kubernetes, and cloud platforms, with a proactive, Agile/SCRUM mindset and security

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of software for mission-critical applications in space or adjacent industries.
• 5+ years full stack development experience.
• 5+ years of object-oriented programming (Java, Python, or C++).
• 5+ years frontend development with modern frameworks (React).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using modern languages.
• Architect and build dynamic UIs with modern frontend tech.
• Design, manage, and optimise databases for performance and integrity.
• Build and manage containerised apps with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Develop and optimise CI/CD pipelines to streamline delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver features.
• Troubleshoot across the stack and provide problem-solving.
• Lead and participate in SCRUM ceremonies.

Skills

Full stack development

Space domain experience

Java

Python

C++

React

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms

Git/GitHub

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Docker Compose

GitLab CI

GitHub Actions

SQL databases

SCOS-2000 / XTCE

ECSS/ CCSDS standards

AWS

Azure

Job description

Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced and motivated Full Stack Software Engineer with a strong background, or interest, in the Space domain to join our Ground Segment Software team.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing company focused on solving the critical issue of orbital debris, which poses a significant risk to the future of space exploration and operations. In this role, you will play a key part in the design, development, and maintenance of high-quality software solutions for the Ground Segment of the ELSA-M mission and other cutting-edge projects.

We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in developing software for mission-critical applications across the full stack. Expertise in the space sector or adjacent industries (e.g., defence, aviation, telecommunications, or automotive) is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, efficient backend services using modern industry-standard programming languages.
• Architect and build dynamic, responsive, and interactive user interfaces with modern frontend technologies.
• Design, manage, and optimise databases, ensuring high performance, reliability, and data integrity.
• Build and manage containerised applications using Docker and Kubernetes
• Develop, maintain, and optimise CI/CD pipelines to streamline software delivery process
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deliver new software features.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues across the entire stack, providing expert-level problem-solving
• Lead and participate in SCRUM ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of real-world experience developing software for mission-critical applications in the space domain or adjacent industries.
• 5+ years of full stack development experience.
• 5+ years of object-oriented programming experience (preferably in Java, Python, or C++).
• 5+ years of experience developing frontend applications with modern frameworks (preferably React).

In addition to the essential skills above, you should also have strong demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Containerised applications and container orchestration technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Docker Compose).
• CI/CD pipelines tools such as GitLab CI or GitHub Actions.
• Proficiency in SQL databases and data management.
• Proficiency with Git and version control workflows.
• Working in an Agile/SCRUM environment.
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards or ECSS data communications protocols.
• Schema database formats (SCOS-2000 / XTCE, etc)
• Working in Ground Segment systems.
• Cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Knowledge of security best practices in software development.

Candidates for this role should also be able to gain, or already hold, UK Security Clearance to at least SC.

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.