Flight Dynamics Engineer

Job content

Astroscale is seeking to employ an experienced and motivated Image Processing and Flight Dynamics Engineer for a position at our facility based in Harwell, UK.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly growing company making a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers mankind’s use of space as an asset.

Astroscale’s Flight Dynamics group is a small, international team of experienced, aspiring engineers. We look to bring innovative concepts into the proximity operations and trajectory planning processes whilst providing the operations, SSA and GNC teams with streamlined, essential information related to the spacecraft’s surroundings – specifically relating to objects in the vicinity. That’s where this role comes in: by processing the images taken by our servicing satellites and determining the relative position and attitude of objects near and far, in ever-changing circumstances.

The successful candidate will experience a range of orbital environments and scenarios as we perform not only the standard operational life-cycle but also rendezvous, docking and separation activities with passive and active clients. The role will include the design, development, testing and operations of the imaging suite, as well as full support of the complete Flight Dynamics suite and close interfacing and collaborating with the GNC, CV teams and related systems. In-flight, the position will collaborate with SSA and Operations in branches across the World.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of some of the image processing algorithms that can determine relative position and attitude of any object in the space environment, given a varying range of a priori information.
• Support the development of state-of-the-art Flight Dynamics TM monitoring and processing tools.
• Interface with the Computer Vision Team to coordinate development of other image-based software.
• Carry out real-time image processing operations of the spacecraft and support flight dynamics operations, orbit determination, manoeuvre planning, execution and assessment.
• Help develop the mission design of the spacecraft, from requirements derivation and ConOps down to algorithm definitions and interface specifications.
• Support critical operations, including LEOP, rendezvous, docking, separation and end-of-life.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, software engineering or relevant science discipline.
• Educational and/or work experience in image processing.
• Educational and/or work experience in orbital mechanics.
• Excellent programming skills (Matlab, Python) and knowledge of software configuration control.
• Familiarity with space systems and typical images captured by satellites.
• Ability to keep calm under stressful conditions.
• Mathematical competence – quaternions, geometry, optimisation, interpolation…
• Capability to generate project documentation, developing specifications, requirements and design, and other engineering documentation.
• Passion for space.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable skills

• Masters or Doctorate in relevant fields.
• Educational or work experience in Flight Dynamics and/or Guidance, Navigation and Control.
• Specific knowledge in any of the following algorithms is of benefit: Segmentation, Filter Design, Noise Removal, Compression, Super Resolution, Tracking, Optical Flow, Particle Filtering, Pose Estimation, Neural Networks Experience with star-catalogues or astronomy.
• Experience in spacecraft operations and space systems.
• Experience using Linux and scripting.
• Experience in regression testing and version control.
• Additional languages.
• Willingness to travel.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented international team working on cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours
• Hybrid working available (Dependent on individual role requirements)
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday per year
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Stock Options*
• Relocation allowance
• Visa sponsorship for employees
• 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

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.

*Stock Options (Eligibility to participate in the next available stock option round, which gives you the right to buy shares at a predetermined price during a later exercise period)

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.