Mission Concept Engineer

SALARY: £45,000 - £60,000 depending on experience

Who are you?

You will have a proven track record of building space mission concepts using a range of off-the-shelf and bespoke software tools. You will also have experience of translating mission concepts into compelling proposals for a range of customers. To do this you will have knowledge of a wide range of space mission applications (i.e. earth observation, satcom, space domain awareness) and the systems that are used deliver these applications (satellite clusters and constellations, ground and launch segments). You will have used your knowledge and skill to perform orbital analysis, make system engineering trades to produce initial design concepts, and help produce project estimations of costs and schedules. You will have strong analytical and software skills allowing you to develop and deploy new tools when required. You will be a self-starter who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and will have a calm and professional approach to work. The right attitude is equally as important as background and experience. It will require someone who can think creatively, takes pride in their work, is comfortable working with ambiguity in the early stages of concept development, and can present a professional face to clients, suppliers and partners.

Experience in most of the following areas is required:

• Space Mission analysis (using STK, FreeFlyer or similar) for multiple mission types (EO, satcom, etc)
• Astrodynamics simulations (i.e. Basilisk, Orekit)
• Outline satellite design (i.e. development of power, mass, volume budgets)
• Integrating software tools as part of larger analysis systems
• Developing mission level requirements
• Working with multi-disciplinary teams to develop concepts and associated proposals planning, managing and reporting progress on complex systems to internal and customer stakeholders

Skills (note an applicant is not expected to have all the skills below, but a level of experience/competence that would allow them to become proficient is required):

• A good degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, or Maths
• Good knowledge of orbital analysis; constellation and cluster configurations (particularly in LEO); size, weight and power budgets; radio link budgets; ground segment and spacecraft operations; and the space environment and its impact on satellite systems
• Ability to work with ambiguous and not fully defined requirements in the early stages of a mission concept design
• Ability to apply systems thinking to problems and to find creative solutions to problems within cost schedule constraints
• Proficient in at least one scripting language (e.g. Python, Octave) Knowledge of at least one programming language (e.g. C, C++, Java) Proficient with Linux, Windows, and ideally a cloud environmaling and interactive visualizations using tools such as Matplotlib andent (e.g. AWS, Azure)
• Proficiency in SQL for querying databases and extracting data
• Ability to effectively communicate concepts by creating visually appe
• Excellent written and oral communication skills nd the ability interact effectively with customers and colleagues

What will you be doing here?

Working within a team of technical specialists, you will be responsible for developing concepts for a variety of different space missions. This will include the mission analysis as well as system level design of satellites and related ground segments. The role will also require supporting/writing proposals for mission concept studies based on your technical solutions. You will be actively encouraged to maintain a current interest in space industry developments and to seek out new concepts that may help ISM’s business.

Responsibilities will include:

• Developing mission concepts to meet company and customer requirements.
• Specifying, developing and automating scripts and code elements to support various elements of the tools used in the design of missions
• Collaboration with project managers to provide inputs to schedules; risk management plans; budget management and other project artefacts as required
• Working closely with the operations team and service manager(s) to understand the operational impact of any designs, implementations, or changes
• Interfacing with customers and suppliers.

About In-Space Missions   

 In-Space Missions (ISM) are world class experts who design, build and operate space missions for global customers from our UK site. We also offer ‘Space as a Service’ by flying customer payloads on our spacecraft and by providing customers the ability to upload digital applications to operate on our hardware. ISM was founded in 2015 and has grown to comprise approximately 90 staff. The company was acquired by BAE Systems in 2021 but continues to operate as a separate business with our offices and satellite cleanrooms located in Alton, Hampshire in the UK. 

Culture   

We have a close-knit and supportive team, with diversity and inclusion being a key to our success. Although we are looking to rapidly expand our team, we are passionate about maintaining our small company ethos, something which is at the heart of our culture. We welcome varying backgrounds, skills, perspectives and life experiences.  Here at In-Space Missions we are embracing Hybrid Working. Wherever possible, we offer flexible working arrangements to allow us to balance our work and personal life more effectively. 

 
What can we offer you?   

• 30 days holiday a year plus bank holidays 
• 10% Non-Contributory Pension with the option for additional salary sacrifice 
• Private Medical Scheme – AXA Healthcare 
• Travel Insurance- AXA Healthcare 
• 3 x Salary Life Assurance Policy 
• Income protection 
• Access to BAE Share Incentive Plan 
• A fun work environment, full of opportunities for career growth 
• Team meet-ups, including team building days and office parties 

Recruitment Process   

If you’ve been shortlisted for the role, our Recruitment team will reach out to schedule a 1st stage Teams interview with you.  

We want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible so if you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Additionally, if you don’t meet all of the criteria please still apply. We really enjoy meeting diverse people who might bring a fresh perspective on a problem we need to solve!   

Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship. Please be aware that many roles working for In-Space Missions will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the company.