Command & Data Handling Engineer

Astroscale is seeking to employ an experienced and motivated Command & Data Handling Engineer at our facility based in Harwell, UK. 

This is an exciting position, with responsibilities covering the full lifecycle of our spacecraft; from early design of the electronic systems and interfaces to hands-on work through to creating test plans and being part of the AIV activities. As the team is still quite small, if offers the incumbent the potential to be instrumental in the C&DH engineering direction.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly growing company seeking to make a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers mankind’s continued use of space as an asset. The technology of our mission is complex and demanding, with a high amount of data going through the system. As the mission requires our spacecraft to move towards another spacecraft, it has many unique and critical features within the C&DH system. 

Responsibilities

• Help the development and design activities for the Command & Data Handling Sub-systems on Astroscale spacecraft:

                   - Review and maintain sub-system requirements

                   - Define and develop sub-system test and verification plans.

                   - Help define and manage subsystem data and processing budgets

                   - Test and prove FMECA and FDIR processes

•  Help Coordinate with other teams at sub-system and at system level to define ConOps, ICDs, development and verification plans.
• Plan, prepare and conduct electrical sub-systems and system level verification tests, including environmental testing.
• Work with the UK-based Ground segment and operations teams in support of our mission operations globally.
• Interact and support team with partners and suppliers for the provision of C&DH equipment. Support procurement engineers with specification, trade-off, and selection of C&DH equipment. Participate in the review of the deliverables in support of the project milestones.

 

Essential Skills & experience

• Diploma; bachelor or master’s degree in electrical engineering or relevant engineering/science discipline.
• 2+ years of commercial experience in electronic and/or system design of Command & Data Handling Systems for satellites.
• Demonstrable experience on working with or designing systems that use industry de-facto standards such as CCSDS, I2C, RS422, Spacewire, CAN, etc.
• Experience of how C&DH systems operate on spacecraft missions and their various electrical interfaces.
• Experience in developing and conducting test plans for spacecraft avionics.
• Good understanding of system engineering & managing requirements through the full project lifecycle.

 

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience in general electronics (analogue, digital, power), as well as microcontrollers/ CPU and FPGA
  
• Experience or knowledge in protocols: RS232, RS422/ 485, SPI, I2C, CAN bus, Spacewire and Ethernet
• Experience in physically testing hardware and handling flight equipment in a clean room environment.
• Experience in GNSS and time synchronisation on satellites.
• Experience of analysis radiation tolerances and knowledge of radiation hardness assurance for Low Earth Orbit applications.
• A basic knowledge in the following areas: debris removal, end-of-life, in-orbit servicing.
• Whilst the working language across all Astroscale divisions is English, proficiency in spoken and/or written Japanese would be considered an asset.

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.