Job Description

Astroscale is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Spacecraft Operations Preparation Engineer to work at our facility based in Harwell, UK.


This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly growing company seeking to make a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers mankind's continued use of space as an asset. This role will allow the right candidate to shape technical solutions for our missions, develop operations concepts, tools, and prepare the team for mission execution. The candidate will interact extensively with the design and development engineers across functions and support tests conducted in the AIV and operational environments.

Responsibilities

Develop Mission Operations Concept for a standalone mission or a satellite fleet. Decompose mission design descriptions to define operational workflows and processes. Refine operability requirements and support their ingestion into mission technical requirement specifications. During peak activity periods, support the execution of critical mission phases of space situational awareness and debris removal missions as part of the mission operations team. Ensure that FDIR management functions are developed in line with operability concerns and guide FDIR implementation prioritising observability and configurability needs for complex and dynamic space missions. Guide Flight SW development in the effective implementation and customization of ECSS PUS services and other flight software functions for operability. Collaborate with engineering teams (system and sub-system engineers) to ensure that operability concerns are adequately addressed during the mission design phase. Introduce novel concepts to improve mission development and exploitation processes. Contribute to the subsystem/unit and project-level reviews. Support the efficient development and validation of mission deliverables such as Space Segment User Manuals, SRDB / operational database content, telecommand sequences and operations procedures, telemetry packet and operational context data definitions. Contribute to the System Validation Test campaign, support flight-segment level testing, Operational Scenario Validation / Mission Simulation Test processes and ensure the verification of the mission level requirements. Support the development of mission ground systems to fulfil the mission operations concept, including software tools to support the mission execution (e.g. database tool, trending tool, dashboards, context management, payload specific tools etc.). Consider the use of AI/ML for the analysis of mission data and the automation of mission operations processes. Support bid / proposal activity for new missions from the operations perspective.

Essential Skills

Engineering, physics or an equivalent degree. Several years of demonstrable satellite industry experience in real time operations, spacecraft operations preparation through the complete life cycle. A candidate with a primarily system engineering background may also be considered. Knowledge of space standards (ECSS, CCSDS, ISO). Knowledge of mission control systems, SCOS-2000 or similar. Knowledge and hands-on experience with system engineering processes. Experience developing and validating flight procedures. Experience of system testing and AIT processes. Self-managed and proactive working style.

Desirable skills

Familiarity with Operations Preparation tools such as MOIS or script-based tools. Familiarity with routine and critical real time satellite operations. Familiarity with configuration management.

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)

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.