Guidance Navigation and Control Systems Team Lead

Astroscale UK (ASUK) is looking to recruit a Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Systems Team Lead. The Systems group is responsible for all aspects of Astroscale’s System engineering discipline inclusive of all relevant mission subsystems.

 

In your role as GNC Systems Lead Engineer you will lead the overall design and verification of the Guidance, Navigation (including Computer Vision), and Control subsystem for ASUK missions.

 

You will be able to demonstrate your technical skill, ability to be a team player and ability to deliver in accordance with the various drivers associated with commercial organisations.

 

GNC systems for Astroscale missions require both standard and bespoke GNC & Computer vision algorithms and hardware, which need to be integrated together and with the wider satellite bus. This is often cutting edge, very complex, innovative and forms some of Astroscale’s most important intellectual property. This role will allow the right candidate to shape solutions for our missions.

 

 

Responsibilities 

 

• Drive development of GNC systems (requirements, FDIR, V&V strategy etc.) for Astroscale projects, ensuring integration of GNC algorithms, Computer Vision algorithms and GNC Hardware for RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations) missions.
• Drive the logical integration of the technical GNC subsystem work packages and overall solution, including the subsystem development and verification plans.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines in the planning, design and development of AS mission/system to ensure required GNC subsystem performance and compatibility.

• Plan and execute GNC subsystem verification and test activities.

• Drive GNC subsystem’s review gates and contribute to mission review gates.

• Conduct state-of-the-art research into GNC (hardware and algorithm) designs relevant to Astroscale’s missions and perform subsystem level design and trade-off analysis.
• Support GNC algorithm development for Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO) missions.
• Support development of GNC software architecture, with designs leading towards an overall GNC software solution.

• Liaise with customers and/or suppliers to characterize GNC system constraints/requirements, identify and/or present the technical GNC solution.
• Provide support to mission’s technical and programmatic leadership.
• Provide support and analysis for on-orbit operations of AS spacecraft.

 

Team Management

• Lead the team to deliver GNC related specifications, analysis, and verification activities to the company project technical and programmatic requirements.
• Review of the above developments and mentoring the team, providing expert technical feedback.  

• Supporting internal and external review gates for Astroscale projects.  
• Support recruitment processes for new team members.  
• Produce well structured, realistic, clear plans with key activities, timescales, milestones and resources.  
• Scheduling tasks for the team.  
• Regularly review progress against plans to ensure delivery.  

 

Essential Skills

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline.  
• 5+ years’ relevant experience in a GNC related field
• Hands on experience of most of the following:  

• • Development of GNC systems
  • GNC requirement derivation and verification
  • Design and implementation of control laws and navigation algorithms. 
  • Theoretical knowledge of guidance strategies for RPO missions.  
  • Translating algorithms into operational flight software. 
  • GNC hardware integration and test
  • Knowledge of state-of-the-art GNC technologies/hardware used in space missions (technologies, trade-offs, procurement, data processing etc).  

• Previous experience in leading commercial engineering teams.  
• 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.  
• Demonstrates behaviours in line with Astroscale values (mission and people focused, transparent, innovative and pioneering, diverse and customer focused)

 

 

Desirable skills

 

• Preferable to have experience of implementation of RPO and docking algorithms/solutions.
• On-orbit operational experience of satellite missions.  
• Matlab/Simulink development skills – expert/advanced level.  
• C/C++ software development skills – intermediate level.  
• Embedded software development skills – intermediate level.  
• Knowledge of active debris removal missions e.g. RemoveDebris, e.DeOrbit, ATV, ELSA-d, CleanSpace, etc.

 

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
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• 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.