Your space-enabled career begins here

Astroscale UK are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our graduate scheme in our leading in-orbit servicing and space sustainability organisation.

As a participant in this scheme, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and training in various areas, including systems engineering, flight software, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), and other teams. This program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the space industry and equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the future of space exploration and sustainability.

Responsibilities

The scheme will provide you with an opportunity to work across 3 of our teams;

• Systems Engineering:
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and optimise space systems and architectures for in-orbit servicing and space sustainability.
  • Assist in the design, analysis, and integration of complex space systems, considering technical, operational, and safety requirements.
  • Conduct performance analysis, and system modelling to evaluate system behaviour and identify improvements.
• Flight Software:
  • Participate in the development and testing of flight software, focusing on reliability, fault tolerance, and mission-specific functionality.
  • Support the integration and verification of flight software into spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with mission objectives and safety standards.
  • Collaborate across teams to troubleshoot software-related issues.
• Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC):
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous spacecraft operations and rendezvous and docking manoeuvres.
  • Analyse and evaluate sensor performance, propulsion systems, and attitude determination and control subsystems.
  • Assist in the development of GNC simulation models to validate and refine algorithms.
• Mission Operations:
  • Participate in the planning of spacecraft missions, including pre-launch, launch, in-orbit operations, and mission deactivation.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of mission control procedures, including anomaly response and recovery.
• Flight Dynamics:
  • Support mission design activities, from requirements derivation and ConOps, down to algorithm definitions and interface specifications.
  • Perform modelling, simulation, analysis and optimisation in mission design, orbital manoeuvres, and orbit estimation.
  • Support real-time operations of the spacecraft.
• Ground Segment:
  • Assist in the design and development of ground-based systems for spacecraft telemetry, tracking, and control.
  • Collaborate with ground segment teams to ensure seamless communication and data transfer between ground stations and spacecraft.
  • Support the implementation and maintenance of ground system infrastructure and software.
• Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT)
  • Assist in the assembly and integration of spacecraft components and subsystems, following established procedures and quality standards.
  • Support the preparation and execution of integration activities, including mechanical, and electrical integration
  • Collaborate across teams to ensure proper handling, installation, and alignment of hardware and equipment.

Essential Skills

• Soon to complete, or have completed in the last 2 years, a relevant degree in an Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Strong academic background with a focus on space systems, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline
• Passion for space sustainability, in-orbit servicing and the responsible use of space.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within and across teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Additional exposure to one or more of the following areas;
  • Programming languages and simulation software, such as C, C++ and MATLAB/Python
  • Software design and architecture
  • Algorithm design, development or deployment
  • Knowledge of spacecraft or mission assembly, integration and verification/test process
  • Understanding of the critical subsystems which make up a satellite mission
  • Understanding of the components of a satellite Ground segment
  • Knowledge of mission planning and onboard software management

Dates for the Diary

Due to the scale of recruitment for these roles, we do have fixed dates for the technical exercise and assessment centre day which will form the selection process. As such, please only apply if you are able to attend both dates, the first will be held virtually, and the assessment centre in person on our Harwell Campus site.

Applications Open: Monday 3rd July

Applications Close: Friday 28th July

1st Stage Exercise: Tuesday 1st August

Assessment Centre Day: Tuesday 22nd August

Benefits

• Opportunity to grow and develop both personally, and within the organisation, with longer term opportunities
• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
• 9/75 working pattern (opportunity to compress 37.5 hour working weeks across 9 days, rather than 10)
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + UK Bank Holidays
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Relocation allowance
• New state of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell)

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale 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.