Senior Payload (Robotics) Systems Engineer

Astroscale UK & Europe are seeking an experienced and motivated robotics system engineer with a strong background in space, aerospace or other technical industries, to work at our state-of-the-art facility based in Harwell, UK. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly, welcoming and skilled team within our dynamic and rapidly growing company. As a senior member of the payload team, you will take the lead on certain aspects of project work and mentor others. 

You will provide subject matter expertise to the payload team, helping to define and drive the design, development, testing and operations of the unique capture systems for our missions against demanding timescales, whilst collaborating across all functions within the engineering teams, and with suppliers across the world. 

In this role you will be making a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers mankind’s use of space as an asset.  

Responsibilities 

• Generation and review of robotics system requirements and verification strategies (at spacecraft, subsystem, and unit levels) for on-orbit servicing missions.
  
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  Review inputs from and lead co-engineering sessions with robotics suppliers to assess suitability for specific missions and ensure system compatibility
  
• Collaborate with subject matter experts in other engineering departments (mechanical, thermal, software, electrical etc.) to solve complex problems. 
• Work with AIV team to ensure that robotics designs consider ease of manufacture, assembly, integration, and test. 
• Define and perform hardware-related activities throughout spacecraft design and development, AIV phases, and Launch campaigns. 
• Generate and maintain systems documentation including specifications, ICDs, procedures, reports, tech notes, design descriptions etc. 
• Generate inputs to project lifecycle reviews (PDR, CDR, etc). 
• Support Procurement with manufacturing supply chain and supplier engagement. 
• Assist company-wide projects and activities as a member of the global Astroscale team. 

Essential Skills

• Diploma; Bachelor or Master’s degree in robotics, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, or another relevant discipline. 

• 5+ years experience in Robotics 

• Demonstrable experience of leading on complex, safety-critical mechanism design lifecycle at all stages from initial concept to design, analysis, test, and operations. 

• Commercial experience in leading robotics analysis, design / procurement and test; ideally for spacecraft. 

• An in-depth knowledge of robotics design, including robot kinematics, dynamics and implications in designing for the space environment. 

• Familiarity with robotics analysis and design software such as ROS/ROS2 

• An in-depth understanding of the trade-offs in the design, selection, and application of robotics.

• An in-depth understanding of the trade-offs in the design, selection, and application of robotics. 
• A good knowledge of robotics sensors and actuators as well as suppliers operating in the space industry

•   Good understanding of spacecraft mission lifecycle and milestones (e.g., MDR, PDR, CDR, etc). 
• Good understanding of system engineering & managing requirements through the full project lifecycle. 
• Experience designing innovative hardware and/or efficient mechanical solutions to complex problems to challenging schedules.
  

Desirable skills

• Experience and appreciation of robotics design challenges in the space sector. 

• Knowledge of existing manipulator technologies for on-orbit servicing. 

• Knowledge and use of magnetism & magnetic properties in capture mechanisms. 

• Experience using SolidWorks, (other CAD software packages such as CATIA, NX, CREO etc. will also be considered), and PDM. 

• Familiarity with Multi-Body Dynamics modelling such as Hyperworks. 

• Experience in modelling and simulation of kinematic systems and robotics. 

• Able to process data through automation (VBA or Python). 

• Good all-round knowledge in the following areas: debris removal, end-of-life, in-orbit servicing. 

• Proactively seek the needs to create specific objectives and be accountable on time and deliverables. 

• Be ready for changes; seek clarifications; apply sound engineering judgement if well-established information is lacking. 

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
• Visa sponsorship for employees 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.