Spectrum Manager

Astroscale UK is seeking a Spectrum Manager, in this role you will lead spectrum management and regulatory activities for innovative space programmes, ensuring compliance with international and national spectrum regulations while supporting mission success from concept through to operations. Working at the intersection of engineering, regulation, and policy, you will manage satellite filings and frequency coordination activities, conduct technical spectrum analyses, support licensing activities, and engage with stakeholders including Ofcom, the ITU, government bodies, and international partners. This is an exciting opportunity for a spectrum professional with space sector experience to help shape the future of sustainable space operations in a fast-growing and mission-driven organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead on aspects of spectrum management for future Astroscale UK Active Debris Removal (ADR) and In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) space mission.
• Manage Astroscale UK International Telecommunication Union (ITU) satellite filings and frequency coordination activities, ensuring all regulatory deadlines are met and all correspondence is reviewed and responded to in a timely manner.
• Prepare and submit ITU satellite filings, liaising with Finance and raising purchase request for filing related fees as needed.
• Produce annual filing reports to Ofcom.
• Negotiate frequency coordination agreements for planned Astroscale UK space activities.
• Conduct technical studies (including via computer simulation, where required) of radio frequency interference, frequency compatibility, link budgets and interference analysis.
• Guide engineering teams to ensure compliance with ITU and national regulatory frameworks.
• Support frequency licensing of ground stations.
• Develop relevant reports, studies, and assessments on the spectrum aspects of Astroscale’s space programmes, mindful of regulatory and technical/operational constraints.
• Engage with external Spectrum bodies and stakeholders, including Ofcom, UK Ministry of Defence and other UK Government bodies, the ITU and other relevant international groups.
• Support spectrum policy, including policy scoping and implementation to enable future Astroscale UK space projects.
• Participate in ITU activities including ITU Working Parties, regional preparatory meetings for World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), as required.

Essential Skills

• University BSc / MSc (or similar) degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications/Radio Frequency or a related field.
• Prior experience in spectrum management or engineering for space systems, including satellite communications systems and/or satellite systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of satellite payload design, earth station characteristics, ITU Radio Regulations, ITU space software, and satellite licensing.
• Ability to manage and take responsibility for delivery of own work, within agreed project budgets and schedules.
• Good understanding of the space industry and ecosystem.
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and written/verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, and strong attention to detail.
• Can demonstrate behaviours in line with Astroscale values (mission and people focused, transparent, innovative and pioneering, diverse and customer focused).

Desirable Skills

• Post-graduate, master’s degree and/or PhD/Doctorates in an engineering, scientific or mathematical discipline.
• Previous experience in engaging on spectrum policy at national and international levels, e.g., ITU Working parties, WRC, regional group.
• Experience working with SQL.
• Previous work experience in supporting regulatory, compliance or communication system licensing, and engineering for space systems, including satellite communications systems and/or satellite systems engineering.
• Fluency or working proficiency in French and/or another UN language.
• Ability to hold UK Security clearance SC or higher.

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.

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.