GNC Algorithms & Simulator Team Lead

Due to continued growth, Astroscale are seeking a GNC Algorithms & Simulator Team Lead to join our diverse, talented and dynamic UK GNC Group Team.

 

In this role you will take responsibility for the leadership and management responsibilities of the team and The successful candidate will join an experienced and competent group of like-minded people who make up the global GNC team and bring an optimal mix of GNC experience from both the commercial and academic worlds.

 

GNC subsystems for Astroscale missions require both standard and bespoke GNC algorithms. These algorithms are often cutting edge, very complex, innovative and form some of Astroscale’s most important intellectual property. Given the technical complexity and importance to Astroscale of these algorithms, a team of passionate and talented GNC engineers is required to take responsibility for this aspect of the GNC Group’s work.

This role will allow the right candidate to shape solutions for our missions. Whilst the candidate will primarily work in the UK, they will interact with a larger team in Astroscale’s other offices and may be required to travel to these, particularly Tokyo, as needed in support of Astroscale projects and operations.

 

We are a fast-growing company where you can expand on your experience and develop your skills further to enable your team to deliver amazing results. Your role will help us make a difference every day by ensuring the GNC team is well placed to drive forward our missions and help to make space safer and more sustainable for future generations.

 

Responsibilities

 

• Lead GNC algorithm development – analyse, design, implement and validate algorithms for RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), working other engineering disciplines (especially flight dynamics, flight software) to develop safe GNC algorithm solutions which meet Astroscale’s project requirements (inc. technical and programmatic).
• Ensure logical and well managed configuration control of the GNC algorithms.
• Support development of GNC software architecture, with designs leading towards an overall GNC software solution.
• Conducting and planning state-of-the-art research into GNC algorithm designs relevant to Astroscale’s missions
• Lead GNC simulator development – implement and validate GNC simulator models and architecture.
• These models include spacecraft dynamics and environmental models.
• Ensure logical and well managed configuration control of the GNC simulator.
• Lead the team to deliver GNC algorithm and simulator developments to the company project technical and programmatic requirements.
• Review and mentoring of the above developments across the team, providing expert technical feedback.
• Supporting internal and external review gates for Astroscale projects.
• Support recruitment processes for new team members.
• Produce well structured, realistic, clear plans with key activities, timescales, milestones and resources.
• Scheduling tasks for team.
• Regularly review progress against plans to ensure delivery.
• Deliver GNC algorithm and simulator developments in accordance with Astroscale’s project requirements, technical and programmatic. Programmatic requirements include the budget and schedule specified by the respective projects.

Essential Skills

 

• Diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience of algorithm & control law development including:
  • Use of GNC design and simulation software e.g. Matlab.
  • Implementation of control laws, navigation algorithms.
  • Modelling of environmental disturbances and satellite GNC hardware.
  • Translating algorithms into operational flight software.
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge in control law techniques and filtering techniques.
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge of guidance strategies for RPO missions.
• Preferable to have experience of implementation of RPO and docking algorithms/solutions.
• Previous experience in leading commercial engineering teams.
• On-orbit operational experience of satellite missions.
• Experience of testing/verification of integrated GNC subsystems e.g. Hardware-in-the-Loop testing.
• Knowledge of active debris removal missions e.g. RemoveDebris, e.DeOrbit, ATV, ELSA-d, CleanSpace, etc.

Desirable skills

 

• Matlab/Simulink development skills – expert/advanced level.
• C/C++ software development skills – intermediate level.
• Embedded software development skills – intermediate level.
• Collaborative: able and willing to work with other engineering teams to ensure harmony and integration of all developments.
• Supportive: has a strong focus on team development and fosters a positive working culture in the team.
• State-of-the-art knowledge of GNC algorithm research & techniques.
• Demonstrates behaviours in line with Astroscale values (mission and people focused, transparent, innovative and pioneering, diverse and customer focused)*always include

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
• 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.