Simulation Software Engineer

Astroscale; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering space technology company in Harwell is seeking a Simulation Engineer to join their SATSIM team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software engineering, specifically in real-time software development. Responsibilities include designing and testing spacecraft simulators, integrating flight software, and collaborating with various teams. This role offers competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology in a diverse environment.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Private healthcare

Relocation allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of industry experience in software engineering.
• Experience debugging and profiling on Linux.
• Experience with test driven development.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test spacecraft simulators.
• Develop and integrate spacecraft simulation software.
• Perform maintenance activities on simulators.

Skills

Software Engineering

Real-time Software Development

C++ (C++14)

Object Oriented Programming

Fluency in English

Education

University degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or other STEM discipline

Tools

Linux

UML

Job description

Astroscale UK is looking for a Simulation engineer to join our SATSIM team in Harwell, UK, to help realise our vision for the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations.

This role will focus on collaborating with the simulation team, defining solutions based on requirements, working with other subsystem teams on simulation needs. Responsibilities will also involve integrating the flight software into the simulator environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test spacecraft simulators as part of a team of software and aerospace engineers
• Develop and integrate spacecraft simulation software based on client’s requirements
• Validate, configure, and deploy simulation software in Astroscale’s environments
• Develop scripts based on the client’s operational scenarios
• Perform maintenance activities on simulators to ensure highest availability to users
• Write start-up scripts to configure the simulators as required for the different operational configurations

Essential Skills

• University degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or other STEM discipline
• Minimum 2+ years of industry experience in software engineering, real-time software development, preferably using modelling and simulation technologies
• Experience in debugging, profiling on Linux
• Sound knowledge of modern C++ (C++14)
• Object oriented programming using UML, design patterns
• Experience with test driven development
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Desirable skills

• Experience with ECSS SMP and SIMULUS Suite (ESA) and/or other spacecraft simulation frameworks
• Experience with Agile software development, tools and methods
• Experience with ECSS-E-70 (PUS), SCOS MIB
• Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc.
• Scripting with JavaScript

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 allowanceVisa 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.