Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced and motivated Full Stack Software Engineer with a strong background, or interest, in the Space domain to join our Ground Segment Software team. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing company focused on solving the critical issue of orbital debris, which poses a significant risk to the future of space exploration and operations. In this role, you will play a key part in the design, development, and maintenance of high-quality software solutions for the Ground Segment of the ELSA-M mission and other cutting-edge projects. 

We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in developing software for mission-critical applications across the full stack. Expertise in the space sector or adjacent industries (e.g., defence, aviation, telecommunications, or automotive) is crucial.

Responsibilities 

As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, efficient backend services using modern industry-standard programming languages.
• Architect and build dynamic, responsive, and interactive user interfaces with modern frontend technologies.
• Design, manage, and optimise databases, ensuring high performance, reliability, and data integrity.
• Build and manage containerised applications using Docker and Kubernetes
• Develop, maintain, and optimise CI/CD pipelines to streamline software delivery process
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deliver new software features.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues across the entire stack, providing expert-level problem-solving
• Lead and participate in SCRUM ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 
• 5+ years of real-world experience developing software for mission-critical applications in the space domain or adjacent industries. 
• 5+ years of full stack development experience. 
• 5+ years of object-oriented programming experience (preferably in Java, Python, or C++). 
• 5+ years of experience developing frontend applications with modern frameworks (preferably React).

In addition to the essential skills above, you should also have strong demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Containerised applications and container orchestration technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Docker Compose). 
• CI/CD pipelines tools such as GitLab CI or GitHub Actions. 
• Proficiency in SQL databases and data management. 
• Proficiency with Git and version control workflows. 
• Working in an Agile/SCRUM environment. 
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards or ECSS data communications protocols. 
• Schema database formats (SCOS-2000 / XTCE, etc)  
• Working in Ground Segment systems. 
• Cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.   
• Knowledge of security best practices in software development. 

Candidates for this role should also be able to gain, or already hold, UK Security Clearance to at least SC.

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. Find out more about Astroscale at www.astroscale.com.

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.