Senior Payload Systems Engineer (Robotics)

Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced and motivated robotics system engineer with a strong background in space, aerospace or other technical industries, to work at our state‑of‑the‑art facility based in Harwell, UK. This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly, welcoming and skilled team within our dynamic and rapidly growing company. As a senior member of the payload team, you will take the lead on certain aspects of project work and mentor others. You will provide subject‑matter expertise to the payload team, helping to define and drive the design, development, testing and operations of the unique capture systems for our missions against demanding timescales, whilst collaborating across all functions within the engineering teams, and with suppliers across the world. In this role you will be making a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers humankind’s use of space as an asset.

Responsibilities

• Generation and review of robotics system requirements and verification strategies (at spacecraft, subsystem, and unit levels) for on‑orbit servicing missions.
• Review inputs from and lead co‑engineering sessions with robotics suppliers to assess suitability for specific missions and ensure system compatibility.
• Plan and support the design of innovative and new technology and hardware including unit modules, and ground support equipment to meet mission requirements.
• Collaborate with subject‑matter experts in other engineering departments (mechanical, thermal, software, electrical, etc.) to solve complex problems.
• Work with Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team to ensure that robotics designs consider ease of manufacture, assembly, integration, and test.
• Define and perform hardware‑related activities throughout spacecraft design and development, AIT phases, and launch campaigns.
• Generate and maintain systems documentation including specifications, Interface Control Documents, procedures, reports, tech notes, design descriptions, etc.
• Generate inputs to project lifecycle reviews (Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, etc.).
• Support procurement with manufacturing supply chain and supplier engagement.
• Assist company‑wide projects and activities as a member of the global Astroscale team.

Essential Skills

• Diploma, Bachelor or Master’s degree in robotics, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or another relevant discipline; or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in robotics.
• Demonstrable experience of leading on complex, safety‑critical mechanism design lifecycle at all stages from initial concept to design, analysis, test, and operations.
• Commercial experience in leading robotics analysis, design / procurement and test; ideally for spacecraft.
• An in‑depth knowledge of robotics design, including implications in designing for the space environment.
• An in‑depth understanding of the trade‑offs in the design, selection and application of robotics.
• A good knowledge of robotics suppliers and products and the state‑of‑the‑art in robotics systems and robotics R&D topics.
• Good understanding of spacecraft mission lifecycle and milestones (e.g., MDR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
• Good understanding of system engineering & managing requirements through the full project lifecycle.
• Experience designing innovative hardware and/or efficient mechanical solutions to complex problems on challenging schedules.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of existing manipulator technologies for on‑orbit servicing.
• Knowledge and use of magnetism & magnetic properties in capture mechanisms.
• Experience using SolidWorks (other CAD software packages such as CATIA, NX, CREO, etc. will also be considered), and PDM.
• Familiarity with Multi‑Body Dynamics modelling such as Hyperworks.
• Experience in modelling and simulation of kinematic systems and robotics.
• Able to process data through automation (VBA or Python).
• Good all‑round knowledge in the following areas: debris removal, end‑of‑life, in‑orbit servicing.

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).