Flight Dynamics Team Lead

Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced Flight Dynamics Team Lead to join our Algorithms and Software Group.  

In this role, you will lead a team of Flight Dynamics engineers responsible for the design, development, implementation, and validation of the full Flight Dynamics software suite supporting our Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) missions. At Astroscale, our mission is to capture and remove uncontrolled space debris, paving the way for innovative technologies that safeguard the future of orbital operations. You will play a key role across the mission lifecycle, contributing to mission design and providing support for on-orbit satellite operations. The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in orbital mechanics and trajectory design, demonstrated experience supporting satellite operations, and the ability to lead, mentor, and technically guide a team of Flight Dynamics engineers. 

Responsibilities  

Flight Dynamics 

Lead the design, development, validation and maintenance of Flight Dynamics systems and software tools needed for operating Astroscale missions. 

Lead the design and optimization of spacecraft trajectories to meet mission requirements 

Oversee the development and the implementation of required flight dynamics algorithms for Astroscale mission operations. 

Review and approve Flight Dynamics designs, procedures, and associated technical documentation. 

Requirements capture, definition, tailoring, analysis and conversion to use cases and stories. 

Support the Operations team to resolve technical issues and providing advice on best practice. 

Interface with the external suppliers’ teams acting as a Product Owner or Technical Officer and provide support to the development team during the ground segment development phase  

Produce and maintain project documentation to good standard including requirements, verification and validation plan, test procedures, test reports, etc.  

Team Lead Specific Responsibilities 

Provide line management for team members, including workload prioritisation, removing blockers, conducting performance appraisals, and managing probation reviews. 

Plan the technical work for the team members, assigning tasks effectively based on team members’ skills, available resources, and project milestones. 

Overall accountability for the team technical output. 

Support internal and external review gates for Astroscale projects.  

Identify skillset and headcount/labour shortfalls in context of current and upcoming team workload. 

Work with the group manager to create a plan together to address resource shortfalls (including permanent hiring, temporary hiring and/or outsourcing solutions). 

Support recruitment by reviewing CVs and conducting interviews for positions in your team 

Create a plan to address the development needs of the existing team members. 

Provide technical direction, mentorship, and guidance to a team of flight dynamics engineers. 

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture. 

Wider Responsibilities 

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including GNC Algorithm team, System team, Software team, Ground Segment team and project managers to understand project requirements and constraints. 

Interface with Flight Dynamics teams based at other Astroscale locations to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing. 

Essential Skills 

Master’s degree in Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering or similar 

5+ years of proven experience in spacecraft flight dynamics 

At least 3 years of experience in leading and managing a team, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members 

Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics, estimation theory and optimization techniques 

Experience with mission design, analysis, orbit determination, and manoeuvre planning for operational missions 

Operations experience and ability to interact with spacecraft operations engineers. 

Experience with industry-standard flight dynamics software (e.g., STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer) and analysis/scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python). 

Knowledge in project life cycle and acceptance procedures. 

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly. 

Team leadership – ability to lead small team of software engineers  

Software product development experience, (requirement, design, development, integration & testing, deployment, maintenance) 

Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git). 

Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities. 

Desirable skills 

Knowledge of ECSS standards. 

Experience with advanced flight dynamics concepts such as formation flying, low-thrust trajectory optimization, rendezvous and proximity operations. 

5+ years of industry experience in software development and software engineering. 

Knowledge of commercial ‘off the shelf’ Flight Dynamics Systems 

Ability to gain/hold security UK security clearance  

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 

Visa sponsorship for employees considered 

State of the art office and cleanroom facility 

Regular social events  

Location 

Astroscale UK (Harwell). 

About Astroscale 

Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients from their geography of choice, to drive the long-term, circular space economy. Astroscale is also collaborating with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives that promote the sustainable growth of space.  

Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. 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 OneWeb. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, service and remove, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked. 

At Astroscale 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. Astrsocale is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.  

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.