Senior Simulation Engineer

Astroscale UK is looking for a Senior Simulation Software Engineer to join our team at our brand-new state-of-the-art office in Harwell, UK.  This is a fantastic opportunity to be instrumental in the future development of a key component of our innovative satellite servicing spacecraft, with a vision of making a positive contribution to the problem that is space debris.

To achieve this objective, our missions rely on powerful satellite simulators for validating and preparing the mission operations. Thus, we need to develop state-of-the-art simulators in-house, with responsibilities across the whole lifecycle, from design and development to testing and deployment.

The candidate will provide technical expertise for the development of simulators at Astroscale UK. You will be simulating satellites in the toughest conditions and performing manoeuvres in close proximity to other space assets. As a senior member of the team, you will work on all aspects of software development on our state-of-the-art simulators, from analysis and design, through to testing and deployment as well as mentor more junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Design, development, integration, validation, deployment and ongoing maintenance of spacecraft simulation software
• Provide technical expertise as Subject Matter Expert regarding simulator development
• Develop and integrate spacecraft simulation software based on client’s requirements
• Validate, configure, and deploy simulation software in Astroscale’s environments
• Develop scripts based on the client’s operational scenarios
• Perform maintenance activities on simulators to ensure highest availability to users
• Support in writing standard Operational procedures to the Operations team
• Write start-up scripts to configure the simulators as required for the different operational configurations

Essential Skills

• University degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or other STEM discipline
• Minimum 5+ years of space industry experience in modelling and simulation of digital electronics (processors, memory, FPGA) and interfaces/buses (CANBus, RS422, RS485, SpaceWire)
• Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in software development using C/C++ , real-time software development, preferably using modelling and simulation technologies
• Experience with SMP2 and SIMULUS Suite and/or other spacecraft simulation frameworks
• Experience with an emulation suite, preferably ESOC Emulator Suite or TEMU
• Experience in debugging and validating spacecraft onboard data handling subsystem
• Experience in debugging, profiling on Linux
• Sound knowledge of modern C++ (C++14)
• Object oriented design using UML, design patterns
• Experience with unit testing
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Desirable skills

• Experience with Agile software development, tools and methods
• Experience with ECSS-E-70 (PUS), SCOS MIB
• Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc.
• Scripting with JavaScript

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented international team working on cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• 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

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.

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.