Senior Full Stack Software Engineer - Space

Astroscale; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in East Hagbourne is seeking a Full Stack Software Engineer to join their team. The role involves designing and developing software solutions for orbital debris challenges. Candidates should have extensive experience in full stack development and strong skills in Java, Python, or C++. This position offers a competitive salary and flexible working options in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Relocation allowance

Visa sponsorship

Qualifications

• 5+ years of real-world experience developing software for mission-critical applications.
• Expertise in full stack development and object-oriented programming.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable backend services.
• Architect interactive user interfaces using modern technologies.
• Develop and optimize CI/CD pipelines.

Skills

Full stack development

Mission-critical software development

Object-oriented programming

React

SQL databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

Job description

Overview

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 optimize databases, ensuring high performance, reliability, and data integrity.
• Build and manage containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize 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).

Highly Desirable skills

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

• Containerized 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 (SCOS2000 / XTCE, etc).
• Working in Ground Segment systems.
• Cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
• Knowledge of security best practices in software development.

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
• 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
• Visa sponsorship for employees considered
• State of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell).

About Astroscale

Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients from their geography of choice, to drive the long-term, circular space economy. Astroscale is also collaborating with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives that promote the sustainable growth of space.

Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. 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 OneWeb. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, service and remove, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked.

At Astroscale 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 is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale 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.