At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative flight dynamics software for space control missions.
- Company: Join Astroscale UK, a leader in sustainable space solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and 25+ days holiday.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of cutting-edge projects that shape the future of space.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in relevant field and 5+ years of flight dynamics experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Astroscale UK is seeking a talented and motivated Flight Dynamics Engineer to play a key role in the development and evolution of flight dynamics products focused on space control.
Working alongside existing flight dynamics team members, commercial defence team and Chief Engineer to ensure that products and services are developed to address customer needs.
The core of the product is the software which will integrate directly with our in-house flight dynamics suite, however the projects will also involve providing thought leadership, training and advice to customers.
The product will continue to evolve, in line with the developing needs of our customers.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, influencing product direction, and contributing to cutting-edge space domain awareness and control programmes within an Agile development environment.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, validate and maintain new software elements of the Flight Dynamics systems for operating missions for defence customers.
- Support business development and bid activities associated with space control
- Develop and specify the required flight dynamics algorithms for the space control software
- Review all flight dynamics design and procedure related documentation.
- Requirements capture, definition, tailoring, analysis and conversion to use cases and stories.
- Down selection of features to be included in ongoing versions of the product
• When the mission includes the space control product
- Participate and or support the wider Ground Segment verification, validation and integration.
- Support on the Mission System Test and or Simulation campaigns.
- Support the Operations team to resolve technical issues and providing advice on best practice.
- 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
- Follow the Agile (SCRUM) methodology to ensure implementation of the requirements and maintain the schedule
- Produce and maintain product documentation to good standard including requirements, verification and validation plan, test procedures, test reports, etc.
Essential Skills
- Master’s degree in Astronautics, or other relevant subject, or equivalent experience
- Minimum 5 years of commercial Space, or defence, flight dynamics experience
- Current holder, or eligible to obtain, UK SC level clearance or higher.
- Excellent knowledge of orbital mechanics
- Excellent knowledge of flight dynamics systems
- Experience in using simulation software MATLAB or similar
- Experience in using python software
- Experience with Mission Analysis
- Experience with requirements definition
- Fluent in spoken and written English language
- Operations experience and ability to interact with spacecraft operations engineers.
- Knowledge in project life cycle and acceptance procedures.
- Software product development experience, (requirement, design, development, integration & testing, deployment, maintenance)
Desirable skills
Knowledge of ECSS standards.
- 5+ years of industry experience in software development and software engineering.
- Knowledge of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Flight Dynamic Systems
- Knowledge of Windows and Office
- Basic knowledge of Linux
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
- (Visa sponsorship for employees considered) – remove as appropriate
- 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.
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.
Note to recruitment agencies
Astroscale UK 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.
Defence Flight Dynamics Engineer employer: Astroscale
Astroscale is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in East Hagbourne where innovation meets flexibility. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide competitive benefits and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge space missions, making a meaningful impact in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Flight Dynamics Engineer
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Astroscale for a Defence Flight Dynamics Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Flight Dynamics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Astroscale, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Astroscale, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Astroscale
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Astroscale.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Astroscale. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Astroscale love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
