At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and test orbital dynamics solutions for our innovative space operations.
- Company: Join a fast-paced start-up transforming space operations with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful equity, generous leave, and real freedom to innovate.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for hands-on development and rapid learning.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact on humanity's future in space while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field and 3+ years in orbital mechanics.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Space Machines Company (SMC) is transforming the future of space operations with a bold mission: to deliver Roadside Assistance in Space. As orbit becomes more congested and contested, we act as the "first responders" protecting the satellites that power life on Earth—from communications to navigation. Partnering with both commercial operators and government agencies, we're strengthening space resilience and enabling the growth of a sustainable space economy. We're building this critical capability through hyperscale spacecraft manufacturing—delivering Optimus Viper spacecraft at mass‑production economics with rapid‑response capability. The future of space is one where satellites are monitored, maintained, and protected in orbit. At SMC, we're making that future real.
Why Join Us
We're a start‑up — things move fast, resources are lean, and we're building as we go. What we offer is opportunity: to learn at speed, grow with the company, and leave your fingerprints on something that's never been done before. At Space Machines Company, engineers, innovators, and problem‑solvers join forces to push the limits of what's possible. If you want to build technology designed to protect and power humanity's future in space — and see your work make a visible impact — this is where you'll do it.
How We Work
We are builders first. We approach every challenge through a cycle of design, build, test, and refine — making ideas real, learning from results, and improving with each iteration. We challenge assumptions to make sure we're solving the right problems, and we strengthen our solutions through collaboration and feedback. We use process where it adds value and set it aside where it slows us down. There are a lot of firsts here, and we meet them with curiosity and courage. We win as one team.
As our Astrodynamics Engineer, you play a central role in bringing efficient, flexible orbital dynamics computations to our online systems. You spend your time analysing complex orbital scenarios, liaising with our Guidance, Navigation and Control team on approaches and options, testing and implementing best‑in‑breed solutions and integrating them into our online C2 systems — and shaping how we grow.
In this role, you own outcomes from end to end, including:
- Orbital Scenario Identification – Identify orbital scenarios relevant to satisfying the requirements of our online Command and Control systems.
- Solution Design & Testing – Design and test solutions using a broad range of approaches including analytical, numerical, hybrid propagators, third‑party libraries, in‑house developed algorithms, and novel techniques.
- Orbit Change Optimisation – Determine the most efficient means of performing large orbit changes, trading propellant usage against the time taken to complete the orbit change. Document trade‑offs and pros and cons of different approaches.
- Verification & Validation – Verify and validate proposed solutions for correctness and applicability.
- Systems Integration – Work with back‑end engineers to integrate solutions into our online systems. Help bridge language, platform and toolkit differences between analytical solutions and production online systems. Work with front‑end engineers to bring these solutions to life for our customers.
- GNC Collaboration – Work closely with the Guidance, Navigation and Control team to ensure orbital mechanics solutions align with spacecraft capabilities, sensor performance, and control authority.
- Staying Current – Stay current with state‑of‑the‑art orbital mechanics analysis and emerging approaches. Evaluate new techniques and tools that could enhance our analytical capabilities or operational efficiency.
About You
You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:
- A builder's mindset — turning ideas and theory into working systems through hands‑on development, simulation, and testing.
- An iterative approach — designing, building, testing, learning, and improving with each cycle. Comfortable with weekly integration cadence and rapid validation of new algorithms.
- Collaboration and curiosity — working across disciplines and exploring beyond your own expertise. Exploring beyond your own expertise to solve novel problems in novel ways.
- Adaptability and ownership — thriving in a fast‑scaling, evolving environment where requirements emerge from building. Driving outcomes end to end without waiting for perfect specifications.
Proven experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline eg Space Engineering
- 3+ years working with orbital mechanics delivering complex solutions
- Strong familiarity and experience with a variety of propagation algorithms and tools
- Analytical, numerical and hybrid propagation algorithms
- GMAT, STK, MATLAB/Simulink etc
- Polyglot programming experience with several of MATLAB/Simulink, Python, Rust, C++, Elixir/Erlang
Bonus experience:
- Experience with proximity manoeuvres, formation flying
- Experience with continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD)
- Knowledge and experience in spacecraft attitude dynamics
- Mission planning experience
- Familiarity with Git and GitHub
What You Actually Get
You won’t get rich quickly. But you’ll get:
- Competitive salary – Fair pay for hard work. Commensurate with experience and the impact you’ll have.
- Meaningful equity (ESOP) – Real ownership stake. Stock options that matter because you’re joining early enough for them to matter. If we win, you win.
- Actual leave – Annual leave plus personal/sick days. Because even warriors need to recover.
- Public holidays – All of them.
- And freedom. Real freedom to build, decide, and move without waiting for permission. That’s not a benefit you’ll find in a package description, but it’s worth more than most perks on this list.
Astrodynamics Engineer employer: Internetwork Expert
At Space Machines Company, we are not just building spacecraft; we are crafting the future of space operations with a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact. As a start-up, we offer unique opportunities for hands-on development and collaboration, allowing you to leave your mark on groundbreaking technology while enjoying competitive salaries, meaningful equity, and the freedom to drive your projects forward without bureaucratic delays. Join us in a fast-paced environment where your contributions directly shape the sustainable space economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Astrodynamics 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 Internetwork Expert for a Astrodynamics 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 Astrodynamics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Internetwork Expert, 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 Internetwork Expert, 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 Internetwork Expert
✨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 Internetwork Expert.
✨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 Internetwork Expert. 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 Internetwork Expert love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
