Robotics Development Engineer

Please note: Interviews will not take place until early February. This will be a one stage process.

The Challenge

As a robotics development engineer for the IOSM Robotics team, you will be responsible for collaborating with commercial and academic partners to develop key technologies to improve the UK capability in space robotics. To be successful, you will develop, verify and validate new technologies to enable commercialisation by the UK space industry using the Catapult’s robotic facilities at Westcott Venture Park.

You will be working within the IOSM Robotics team to identify the companies and universities developing the technologies both in the UK and internationally. This will involve working alongside companies who are either in space robotics or who could move in that direction to encourage development of their capabilities. You will also liaise with universities to support R&D in the next generation of space robotic capability. It will also require liaising with internal Catapult teams to support creation of strategic facilities to accelerate the development of innovative space based robotic solutions.

Role responsibilities

Engagement with industrial stake holders to identify technical needs to grow the industry and empower innovation

You will be responsible for the technical deliverables of projects; ensuring work meets or exceeds agreed customer requirements, within agreed budgets and timescale

Selection and identification of technology and equipment needed to deliver identified requirements

Operation and maintenance of robotic demonstration facilities

Risk identification and management of issues as they arise

Liaising with teams across the Catapult

Creating new opportunities and innovating where opportunity presents, We are a learning organisation where our ways of working are underpinned by coaching and feedback, fostering adult to adult conversations. Innovation is at the heart of everything that we do, therefore being highly adaptive and agile with a GROWTH mindset will ensure your success at the Catapult. We expect our people to be Pioneering, Agile, Collaborative and Entrepreneurial, working at PACE.

How we work….

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:

We care – for our people, our partners, and our planet

We connect – and engage with people and ideas

We learn – and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of anyone providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we think are needed to be able to perform in this job. However, if you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.

Highly experienced in robotics technology, in particular: manipulation, human robot interaction, sensing, high level programming (ROS, C++, Python) & simulation/emulation knowledge.

Understanding of the technology and infrastructure required to build the next generation of robotics

Experience of working with academic institutions to research robotics innovations and pathways to commercialisation

Experience of R&D proposal development and working in partnership/consortia settings

The role will require a good understanding of system engineering, testing and assembly approaches

Experience of space technologies and/or the use of robotics in an industrial setting would be advantageous

Ways of Working