Autonomy and GNC Engineer in Lincoln

Shield Space is seeking a skilled and driven Autonomy and GNC Engineer to join our technical team developing the UK’s next generation of autonomous space systems for rendezvous and proximity operations. This is a rare opportunity to take a defining role in a company building sovereign, AI-enabled autonomy for spacecraft. You will help design and deliver the guidance and mission-planning software that allows satellites to manoeuvre safely and intelligently in orbit, forming a core capability for the UK’s future in-orbit defence and space operations.

Working directly with the CTO and autonomy engineering team, you will contribute to the design, integration and validation of spacecraft autonomy software across simulation, navigation and guidance domains. The role combines hands-on engineering with systems-level thinking, bringing together guidance algorithms, navigation data and spacecraft dynamics into a coherent autonomy stack. Having recently secured its first major investment, Shield Space is now expanding its engineering capability to support upcoming flight demonstrations and international collaborations. This position offers the chance to join the company at a formative stage, contributing directly to the development of autonomous spacecraft guidance systems that will be used in real missions.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and integrate spacecraft guidance and navigation algorithms supporting autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations.
• Develop manoeuvre-planning and intercept guidance logic using orbital mechanics models and mission simulation tools.
• Contribute to the integration of navigation, tracking and control components within the wider autonomy software stack.
• Perform verification and validation of autonomy subsystems, including closed-loop simulation testing and hardware-in-the-loop trials.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation including interface definitions, algorithm specifications and verification reports.

Essential Skills

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science or a closely related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience developing guidance, navigation and control systems, autonomy algorithms or robotics control software.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics and proximity operations.
• Proficiency with Python and C++ in high-performance or embedded environments.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Ansys STK, GMAT, Gazebo or equivalent aerospace or robotics simulation environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a small, fast-paced technical team.
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable Skills

• Experience with rendezvous and proximity operations modelling.
• Experience with reinforcement learning or computer vision applied to robotics or aerospace systems.
• Background in flight software or real-time control systems.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or sensor integration.
• Experience contributing to early-stage startups or R&D programmes.

Benefits

• Compensation: £7,000 per month (fixed-term contract), with potential conversion to permanent employment.
• Competitive options package.
• 33 days holiday inc. bank holidays.
• Hybrid working around core hours with office and R&D facilities in Lincolnshire.