Senior Mechanisms Engineer

Astroscale UK are seeking an experienced and motivated mechanism / mechatronic 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 senior member of the payload team, you will take the lead on certain aspects of project work and mentor others.

You will provide subject matter expertise to the payload team, helping to define and drive the design, development, testing and operations of the unique capture 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 

• Generation of mechanism mechanical requirements (at spacecraft, subsystem, and unit levels).
• Plan and support the design of innovative and new technology and hardware including unit modules, and ground support equipment to meet mission requirements.
• Work closely with Mechanical Analysis and Design Engineers on the structural analysis of flight and mission support hardware.
• Work with AIV team to ensure that mechanism designs consider ease of manufacture, assembly, integration, and test.
• Define and perform hardware-related activities throughout spacecraft design and development, AIV phases, and Launch campaigns.
• Support structural testing of flight and engineering-related hardware.
• Generate and maintain MCAD related documentation including specifications, manufacturing drawings (part/assembly/ICD procedures, work instructions, reports, etc).
• Generate inputs to project lifecycle reviews (PDR, CDR, etc).
• Support Procurement with manufacturing supply chain and supplier engagement.
• Assist company-wide projects and activities as a member of the global Astroscale team.

Essential Skills

 

• Diploma; Bachelor or Master’s degree in mechanisms, mechanical or aerospace engineering, or another relevant discipline.
• At least 5-10+ years experience in Mechanism Engineering
• Demonstrable experience of leading on complex, safety-critical mechanism design lifecycle at all stages from initial concept to design, analysis, test, and operations.
• Commercial experience in leading mechanism analysis, design / procurement and test; ideally for spacecraft.
• An in-depth knowledge of mechanism design, including implications of tribology in designing for the space environment.
• An in-depth understanding of the trade-offs in the design, selection, and application of mechanisms.
• A good knowledge of mechanism suppliers and products and the state-of-the-art in mechanism systems and mechanism R&D topics.
• Good understanding of spacecraft mission lifecycle and milestones (e.g., MDR, PDR, CDR, etc).
• Good understanding of system engineering & managing requirements through the full project lifecycle.
• Experience designing innovative hardware and/or efficient mechanical solutions to complex problems to challenging schedules.

Desirable skills

 

• Experience and appreciation of mechanism design challenges in the space sector.
• Knowledge of existing manipulator technologies for on-orbit servicing.
• Knowledge and use of magnetism & magnetic properties in capture mechanisms.
• Proficient using SolidWorks, (other CAD software packages such as CATIA, NX, CREO etc. will also be considered), and PDM.
• Familiarity with FEA through using structural analysis software packages such as Nastran and Hyperworks.
• Experience in modelling and simulation of kinematic systems and mechanisms.
• Able to process data through automation (VBA or Python).
• 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.
• Leadership and management experience.

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)
• 9 day working fortnight (opt in/out)
• 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.