GNC Engineer

Astroscale France are looking for a GNC engineer to support the growth of our new Toulouse office. Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) subsystems for Astroscale missions require both standard and bespoke GNC algorithms and hardware equipment. The algorithms are often cutting edge, very complex, innovative and form some of Astroscale’s most important intellectual property. These, along with the hardware, must be integrated to form a high-performing subsystem. Given the technical complexity and importance to Astroscale of this subsystem, a team of GNC engineers is required to take responsibility for this aspect of the GNC Group’s work.

Responsibilities

GNC ALGORITHMS 

 

• Contribute to 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.  

GNC SIMULATOR 

 

• Contribute to 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.

GNC HARDWARE 

 

• Contribute to GNC hardware specification, integration and test. Integration includes mechanical, electrical and software integration to the rest of the satellite bus.  

• Support procurement activities for GNC hardware.  

• Contribute to development of GNC hardware architecture; trade-off analysis of hardware towards overall GNC hardware solutions which meet Astroscale’s project requirements (inc. technical and programmatic).  

• Conducting and planning state-of-the-art research of technologies/sensors relevant to RPO. This is including any relevant COTS equipment not designed for space use which could be developed for Astroscale missions.  

• Perform GNC hardware trade-offs.  

 

GNC INTEGRATION 

 

• Contribute to GNC verification & validation (V&V) planning and execution.  

• Contribute to integration of the GNC subsystem for Astroscale’s spacecraft. This includes the integration of the GNC hardware to the relevant system level testbeds, and integration of the GNC hardware to the flight software.  

• Plan and execute GNC subsystem verification and test activities including hardware-in-the-loop.  

• Support the testing of embedded GNC software implementation.  

Essential Skills

• Diploma; bachelor or master’s degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline. 

• Experience with software packages commonly used for aerospace simulations, e.g., MATLAB/Simulink and Python 

• Experience of GNC algorithm design, modelling and testing, e.g., navigation filters, guidance strategies and/or controllers. 

• Knowledge and experience of GNC rendezvous and pose estimation sensors and methods. 

• Experience with optimization algorithms, control synthesis and analysis. 

• Satellite trajectory design and analysis, e.g., walking safety ellipses, passively safe trajectories, abort manoeuvres and collision avoidance manoeuvres. 

• Can strike a good balance between a creative approach to Engineering and being able to deliver on time to business requirements. 

• Demonstrates behaviours in line with Astroscale values (mission and people focused, transparent, innovative and pioneering, diverse and customer focused)  

• 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.  

• Fluent in French and English. 

• Be eligible and registered to work within Europe. 

Desirable Skills

• Experience of GNC hardware integration/test. 

• Experience with version control software, e.g., GIT, SVN 

• C/C++ software development skills – intermediate level 

• Embedded software development skills – intermediate level 

• Experience of Systems Engineering. 

• Knowledge of state-of-the-art GNC technologies/hardware used in RPO missions (technologies, trade-offs, procurement, data processing etc).  

• Knowledge of testing/verification of integrated GNC subsystems e.g., Hardware-in-the-Loop testing. 

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.