Ground Systems Engineer

Astroscale is seeking to employ an experienced and motivated Ground Segment Systems Engineer at our facility based at the UK space cluster in Harwell, UK.  

The Ground Segment Systems Engineer will be involved in the whole ground segment development process, from conceptual design to maintenance. The role will be involved in all the infrastructure and software on the ground that is critical to safely operate a mission. 

This is a key role with a critical responsibility to efficiently interface between the Mission & Systems team and the Operations team. This gives the candidate the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the ground segment, as well as participating in operational activities in the Astroscale control centre when the spacecraft is in orbit.  

The ground segment engineer will play a key role in the existing ground segment team, with a high level of responsibility and autonomy. 

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of ground systems including Mission Control System, Mission Planning System, Ground Stations Interface System  
• Derive requirements for the ground segment in general and for specific components 
• Interface with the external suppliers’ teams, acting as a Product Owner or Technical Officer and provide support to the development team during the ground segment development phase 
• Interface with the development team internally at Astroscale 
• Interface with the Mission and Systems teams potentially based at other Astroscale locations 
• Follow the Agile (SCRUM) methodology to ensure implementation of the requirements and maintain the schedule 
• Produce and maintain project documentation to good standard including requirements, verification and validation plan, test procedures, test reports, etc. 
• Perform verification & validation of the systems with other team members while ensuring requirements are met, including systems tests and simulation campaigns. 
• Interface with the Mission Operations team and provide support / training on the ground systems 
• Perform maintenance of the ground systems while being the interfacing point between the operations team and the developers to resolve technical issues 

Essential Skills 

• University degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or other relevant engineering discipline. 
• Minimum 2 years of industry experience in ground systems engineering. 
• Overall knowledge of the main components of a ground segment and how they interact between them. 
• Essential team player as well as proactive. 
• Excellent communication skills (required to interface with different cultures/nationalities) 
• Good reporting skills (for documentation, keeping track of changes, etc) 
• Overall understanding/knowledge of space mission design/development and standard milestones.  
• Knowledge of Requirements Engineering. 
• Fluency in spoken and written English. 

Desirable skills 

• Experience with Mission Control Systems, preferably based on SCOS-2000. 
• Experience with Automation Systems and Mission Planning Systems.  
• Experience with Ground Stations/Antenna communications. 
• Experience or knowledge of Scrum as being part of development team or Product Owner. 
• Knowledge of C++ and/or Java programming languages. 
• Basic Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc. 
• Development on Linux systems. 

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.