At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop software solutions for space missions, tackling orbital debris challenges.
- Company: Join Astroscale UK, a leader in sustainable space development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working hours, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space exploration while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in full stack development and experience in mission-critical applications.
Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced and motivated Full Stack Software Engineer with a strong background, or interest, in the Space domain to join our Ground Segment Software team.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing company focused on solving the critical issue of orbital debris, which poses a significant risk to the future of space exploration and operations. In this role, you will play a key part in the design, development, and maintenance of high-quality software solutions for the Ground Segment of the ELSA-M mission and other cutting-edge projects.
We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in developing software for mission-critical applications across the full stack. Expertise in the space sector or adjacent industries (e.g., defence, aviation, telecommunications, or automotive) is crucial.
Responsibilities
As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable, efficient backend services using modern industry-standard programming languages.
- Architect and build dynamic, responsive, and interactive user interfaces with modern frontend technologies.
- Design, manage, and optimise databases, ensuring high performance, reliability, and data integrity.
- Build and manage containerised applications using Docker and Kubernetes
- Develop, maintain, and optimise CI/CD pipelines to streamline software delivery process
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deliver new software features.
- Troubleshoot and debug issues across the entire stack, providing expert-level problem-solving
- Participate in SCRUM ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives
Essential Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 2+ years of real-world experience developing software for mission-critical applications in the space domain or adjacent industries.
- 2+ years of full stack development experience.
- 2+ years of object-oriented programming experience (preferably in Java, Python, or C++).
- 2+ years of experience developing frontend applications with modern frameworks (preferably React).
In addition to the essential skills above, you should also have strong demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Containerised applications and container orchestration technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Docker Compose).
- CI/CD pipelines tools such as GitLab CI or GitHub Actions.
- Proficiency in SQL databases and data management.
- Proficiency with Git and version control workflows.
- Working in an Agile/SCRUM environment.
- Familiarity with CCSDS standards or ECSS data communications protocols.
- Schema database formats (SCOS-2000 / XTCE, etc)
- Working in Ground Segment systems.
- Cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
- Knowledge of security best practices in software development.
Candidates for this role should also be able to gain, or already hold, UK Security Clearance to at least SC.
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 considered
- State of the art office and cleanroom facility
- Regular social events
Location
Astroscale UK (Harwell).
About Astroscale
Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space. The company delivers a variety of innovative and scalable on-orbit servicing solutions, including life extension, refurbishment, upgrades, in-situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal. Since its first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions. 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. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, relocate, remove, and extend the life of spacecraft, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked. Headquartered in Japan, Astroscale has a global presence with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Israel. Find out more about Astroscale at www.astroscale.com.
At Astroscale UK 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. Astroscale UK is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.
Full Stack Software Engineer employer: Astroscale Holdings Inc.
Astroscale UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to contribute to cutting-edge space technology while enjoying a supportive culture. Located in Harwell, our state-of-the-art facilities foster collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of on-orbit servicing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full Stack Software Engineer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Astroscale Holdings Inc. or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
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✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Full Stack Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Astroscale Holdings Inc..
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Astroscale Holdings Inc. and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astroscale Holdings Inc.
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Astroscale Holdings Inc. uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
