GNC Hardware Engineer

Astroscale UK is looking for GNC Hardware Engineer(s) to join our GNC team.

The technology which Astroscale is developing to capture uncontrolled space debris is truly pioneering and will reclaim our orbital environments for future generations. This technology heavily depends on complex GNC subsystems which enable our spacecraft to carry out their missions. Rendezvous, proximity operations and docking with uncontrolled and sometimes unprepared objects is no easy endeavour; we are therefore looking for someone who is ready to work with a group of like-minded GNC Engineers to face the many challenges ahead of us and help make history.

The GNC group is responsible for all aspects of Astroscale’s GNC subsystems inclusive of algorithms, simulations, payload and hardware. In your role you will be involved in selecting, modelling, qualifying and integrating GNC sensors/actuators and payloads for AS missions.

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.

As well as technical skill, the successful candidate must be a team player and have the ability to deliver in accordance with the various drivers associated with commercial organisations, whether these are contractual, schedule or other.

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 

 

• Contribute to the GNC hardware trade-offs for AS missions.
• Contribute to the definition of GNC subsystem V&V (Verification and Validation) plan, including design and validation of bespoke GNC testbeds.
• Perform GNC subsystem development testing with EM (Engineering Model) hardware using dedicated testbeds (PIL and HIL)
• Contribute to the GNC subsystem/spacecraft integration planning and execution.
• Support GNC hardware environmental testing (e.g. vibration, thermal, vacuum and radiation).
• Support the GNC hardware procurement activities working collaboratively with vendors and supplier chain management engineers.
• Support in-orbit operation as a member of GNC team (e.g. analysis of GNC hardware performance, definition of commissioning plan for GNC hardware)
• Contribute to current development-focused GNC activities as well as future production-focused GNC activities e.g. QA (Quality Assurance) processes.
• Contribute to system level activities, such as defining FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) and FDIR (Fault/Failure Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) processes.

Essential Skills

 

• Degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Experience with hardware AIV (Assembly, Integration and Verification).
• Experience of Systems Engineering.
• Experience with working with external contractors and suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills
• Can work both autonomously with initiative, and collaboratively as part of the wider GNC/project groups.
• Can strike a good balance between a creative approach to Engineering and being able to deliver on time to business requirements.
• Experience in one (or more) of the following;
  • Practical working knowledge of digital electronics relevant to a GNC system (communications protocols, satellite Command & Data Handling, digital integration to enable Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing etc.).
  • Experience with GNC sensors such as sun sensors, star tracker, IMU, magnetometers, and GNC actuator as magnetometers and reaction wheels.
  • Experience with active optical sensors (e.g. Radar, Laser range finder, LiDAR) and cameras, including design of appropriate functional testing, calibration, and verification.
    

Desirable skills

 

• Experience of programming in Python and Matlab.
• Knowledge of missions concerning active debris removal or RPO: RemoveDebris, CleanSpace / ESA projects e.g. e.DeOrbit, DEOS, ATV, ETS-7, DARPA Express.
  

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.