Principal Engineer - Engineering Standards

Astroscale UK (ASUK) is a relatively new but growing force in the UK space sector. With multiple debris removal vehicles scheduled for launch in the coming years, it is critical to the efficient operation of ASUK engineering to standardise the technical governance which are applied to ASUK’s engineering work.  

 

ASUK has begun to develop its own internal engineering standards for deployment across its newer projects, known collectively as the Astroscale UK Engineering Lifecycle Standards (AELS).  The purpose of this role is to carry forward the work which has already been completed on the development of AELS to ensure that ASUK engineering has usable standards and processes ensuring efficient project execution going forward. Although work has already started, there is substantial room for ownership and autonomy within this role. This is a critical role which will ensure the technical success, efficiency and profitability of ASUK. 

 

 

Responsibilities

 

• Generation and maintenance of engineering standards which provide technical governance to ASUK projects.  
• Utilise the European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS) as a key reference, tailoring to suit the needs of a commercial space organisation which both delivers a substantial amount of in-house developed technologies as well as being a system integrator.  
• Review the existing set of standards which have already been published on ASUK’s quality management system and provide feedback.  
• Execute the work as though it were a standalone project – with realistic timeframes and agreed deliverables.  
• Work closely with the engineering director to review/iterate the existing timeline for the generation and rollout of new standards.  
• Approach the challenge from both “top-down” and “bottom-up” perspectives. Work closely with others in the engineering management team to understand the particular needs of each group.  
• Work closely with others in the engineering management team to obtain inputs and ensure all are part of the development process. Bring key stakeholders along in close collaboration.  
• Work closely with the engineering leads on ASUK’s newer projects to help guide the rollout of standards onto those projects. The extent to which they are applicable to each project will depend on the maturity of each project.  
• Provide checks to ensure that standards which have been agreed for rollout on certain projects are being followed correctly on those projects. 

 

 

Essential Skills 

 

• Excellent knowledge of engineering standards, processes and methodologies applicable to the space industry.  
• Experience of implementing new engineering standards and continuous improvement of existing standards.  
• Ability to strike balance in expectations between light-touch standards and longstanding institutional standards to suit the needs of a new commercial space business.  
• Good working knowledge of ECSS and experience with applying and tailoring it to achieve positive impacts on working efficiency in engineering departments/projects.  
• Good working knowledge of general systems engineering processes and activities (e.g. those defined by INCOSE).  
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.  
• Strong technical background in the space industry, facilitating a good grasp of the particular technical challenges inherent to space debris removal.  
• A “can-do” approach, and drive to work with a team to achieve collective success. 
• Project management experience.  
• Experience planning and completing project review gates (e.g. Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, Critical Operations Review). 
• Excellent organisational and teamworking skills. 
• Excellent communication, collaboration and reporting skills.  
• Able to be independent and proactive, driving for delivery and results.  
• High personal standards & desire for honesty, openness, and integrity. 
• Ability to manage different activities in parallel.  
• Fluency in spoken and written English. 

 

 

Desirable skills 

 

• 8+ years’ experience in the space industry with a broad view across multiple disciplines.  
• Full mission lifecycle experience from requirements definition, design, verification, commissioning, and operations. 
• A basic knowledge of debris removal, end-of-life, in-orbit maintenance or servicing. 
• Knowledge of relevant missions such as ADRAS-J, MEV-1, DEOS, ATV, ETS-7 
• Experience successfully collaborating with personnel from different countries and cultures in a fast-paced technical working environment. 

 

 

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. 

 

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.