Flight Software Team Lead

Astroscale UK is seeking an engaged and proactive team lead to support our busy flight software team.  

From a technical perspective, this role will focus on leading the Flight Software development, supporting with the design of the high-level architecture, reviewing requirements, improving existing software, ensuring documentation is complete and requirements are being met. In addition, as the team leader, you will be supporting and guiding the team from both a technical and people management perspective. 

Responsibilities  

Lead the Flight Software (FSW) Team. The team is responsible for the design, development, integration, validation, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of satellite flight software. 

Plan the work for the software team, creating detailed schedules for the flight software effort across the key company projects. 

Ensure the flight software is created to the required level of quality and delivered on time and to budget. 

Motivate and develop the Flight Software Team, mentoring junior staff and establishing strong team identity. 

Act as subject matter expert in Flight Software development. Oversee the architectural design of the flight software on Astroscale spacecraft. 

Coordinate with other teams at both spacecraft sub-system and system level to identify software needs and solutions. 

Support knowledge transfer between Astroscale’s global engineering teams and provide technical review inputs to projects across the Astroscale organisation, fostering a culture of communication and collaboration. 

Establish, develop and own the software development methodology and lifecycle for Flight Software, 

Work with the Head of Cyber Security to ensure that security requirements are satisfied and that a Secure Development Lifecycle is implemented. 

Essential Skills 

Bachelor or Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering or relevant engineering/science discipline, or equivalent experience. 

5+ years of commercial experience in flight software development for satellites. 

Experience leading a team, either in a managerial or technical capacity. 

Experience with embedded systems programming (C/C++). 

Extensive knowledge of software development methodologies and approaches. 

Experience in using and modifying Board Support Packages. 

Experience in design using UML. 

Experience in implementing real-time systems and software solutions on spacecraft missions. 

Experience in developing and implementing test plans for spacecraft. 

Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal. 

Proactive and self-managing, able to plan and effectively lead areas of responsibility whilst contributing collaboratively within a close-knit team. 

Understanding of secure software development and applied experience in Space in depth. 

Experience on FSW development for Space projects and with the European Space Agency. 

Knowledge of ECSS standard for FSW. 

Desirable skills 

Experience of all stages of mission design lifecycle from initial concept to design, test, and operations. 

Knowledge of cFE and cFS flight software. 

Knowledge of ground segment architectures. 

Familiarity with Agile / Scrum software development practices. 

Use of the SysML enabling technology. 

Basic Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc. 

Development on Linux systems. 

Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g. Python, bash). 

Knowledge of MATLAB, WindRiver VxWorks, CCSDS, CAN, SpaceWire. 

Knowledge of assemblers for microcontrollers. 

Basic knowledge in the following areas: debris removal, end-of-life, in-orbit servicing. 

Understanding of ESA PUS protocol 

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 

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.