Spacecraft Systems Engineer - Systems Analysis

Astroscale Holdings Inc.; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to securing sustainable space operations. As a Space System Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise to tackle the challenges of orbital debris while working on innovative spacecraft designs. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, engage in cutting-edge technology, and contribute to vital missions that impact the future of space. With a supportive environment and flexible working arrangements, you'll thrive in a dynamic setting that values your contributions and fosters professional growth. Embrace this chance to make a difference in the world of space systems!

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life insurance

Private healthcare

Relocation allowance

Visa sponsorship

New office and cleanroom facility

Regular social events

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in Space Systems Engineering is essential.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft mission lifecycle and requirements management.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Support design and integration of new technology and hardware.

Skills

Space Systems Engineering

Systems Analysis

Scientific Computing

Data Analysis

Programming (Python, MATLAB, C, C++)

Mission Analysis

GNC Modelling

Requirements Management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics

Tools

Analysis Tools

Job description

Astroscale UK & Europe are seeking an experienced and motivated space system engineer with a strong background in space, aerospace or other technical industries, to work at our state-of-the-art facility based in Harwell, UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly, welcoming and skilled team within our dynamic and rapidly growing company. As a member of the Systems Analysis team, you will create system and lower-level simulations, perform detailed analyses, and make technical decisions across ASUK’s spacecraft design projects.

You will provide subject matter expertise to the Systems Engineering group, helping to define and drive the requirements, design, development, testing and operations of unique space systems for our missions against demanding timescales, whilst collaborating across all functions within the engineering teams, and with suppliers across the world.

In this role you will be making a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers mankind’s use of space as an asset.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with the systems and other engineering teams to identify areas of risk and issues that need specific technical attention and support their resolution.
• Perform analyses, create and maintain analysis tools as necessary to support the systems and mission project teams.
• Propose closure plans to close out issues/risks, including defining trade study decision criteria and getting buy-in on the plan from key stakeholders.
• Support the design and integration of innovative and new technology and hardware including unit modules, and ground support equipment to meet mission requirements.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts in other engineering departments (mechanical, thermal, software, electrical etc.) to solve complex problems.
• Work with teams outside of engineering such as Operations, AIT, PA and Project Management to ensure that spacecraft designs are manufacturable, operable, and able to be delivered on time and within budget.
• Contribute to and own systems documentation including specifications, ICDs, procedures, reports, tech notes, design descriptions etc.
• Generate inputs and own deliverables to project lifecycle reviews (PDR, CDR, etc).
• Assist company-wide projects and activities as a member of the global Astroscale team.

Essential Skills

• Diploma: Bachelor or Master’s degree in systems, aerospace, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or another relevant discipline.
• At least 3+ years experience in Space Systems Engineering.
• Commercial experience in performing systems analysis and design; ideally for spacecraft.
• Strong understanding of the trade-offs in the design, selection, and application of space systems.
• Comfortable doing scientific computing and data analysis (from first principles if needed) in at least one common programming language (Python / MATLAB / C / C++…).
• Knowledge of mission analysis and GNC modelling and analysis methods for rendezvous and proximity operations in space.
• Good understanding of spacecraft mission lifecycle and milestones (e.g., MDR, PDR, CDR, etc).
• Good understanding of systems engineering & managing requirements through the full project lifecycle.
• Experience designing innovative spacecraft systems with novel mission concepts to meet complex mission needs on commercial space schedules.

Desirable Skills

• Experience and appreciation of docking and capture operations, including design challenges involved with novel robotics/mechanism solutions in the space sector.
• Knowledge of GNC and CV algorithm design, including implications for hardware selection.
• Experience designing novel engineering analysis tools and overseeing their use on commercial engineering projects.
• Good all-round knowledge in the following areas: debris removal, end-of-life, in-orbit servicing.
• Proactively seek the needs to create specific objectives and be accountable on time and deliverables.
• Be ready for changes; seek clarifications; apply sound engineering judgement if well-established information is lacking.
• UK SC clearance or eligibility.

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

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell), with potential for some travel to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo).

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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.