Senior GNC Engineer - Algorithms And Simulation

Senior Gnc Engineer

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 Guidance, Navigation and Control (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 team is responsible for all aspects of Astroscale's GNC subsystems inclusive of algorithms, simulations, payload and hardware. The day-to-day activities of our team include the design of complex trajectories, manoeuvres, guidance and control algorithms, navigation algorithms and simulator models as well as having the wider responsibility for the specification and integration of the overall subsystem hardware/software including a large part of the spacecraft payload.

In your role as Senior GNC Engineer you will be involved in both the day-to-day activities of our team include the design of complex trajectories, manoeuvres, guidance and control algorithms, navigation algorithms and simulator models as well as having the wider responsibility for the specification and integration of the overall subsystem hardware/software including a large part of the spacecraft payload. 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 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.
• Design of GNC simulator models/functionalities.
• Contribute to current development-focussed GNC activities as well as future production-focussed GNC activities e.g. QA (Quality Assurance) processes.

Essential Skills

• Diploma; bachelor or master's degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Experience with simulation packages commonly used for aerospace simulations e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++.
• Experience of GNC algorithm design e.g. navigation filters, guidance strategies and/or controllers.
• Experience designing fault-tolerant GNC systems e.g. fault-tolerant algorithm / software design
• Experience of Systems Engineering.
• 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.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge and experience of GNC rendezvous and pose estimation sensors and methods.
• Experience of GNC hardware AIV (Assembly, Integration and Verification).
• 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
• 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
• 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: Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients from their geography of choice, to drive the long-term, circular space economy. Astroscale is also collaborating with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives that promote the sustainable growth of space.

Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, service and remove, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked.

At Astroscale we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astrsocale is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.