Ground Segment Software Team Lead

This is a unique opportunity to join our dynamic and rapidly growing company, and where you make a positive contribution to the growing problem of orbital debris that endangers humankind’s continued use of space as an asset. 

From a technical perspective, when applicable, this role will focus on leading the Ground Segment 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  

Design, develop, validate and maintain Ground Segment Software (SW) subsystems needed for operating Astroscale missions. 

Generate and update the SW related documentation. 

Participate in the design of the systems including: 

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

Development support and solution testing. 

Definition of Software Engineering approaches to apply in the developments 

Participate and or support the Ground Segment verification, validation and integration. 

Support in the Mission System Test and or Simulation campaigns. 

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

Manage the work package and maintain the schedule 

Manage a team of software engineers and conduct 1-2-1 performance reviews, and other employee lifecycle activities  

Essential Skills 

University degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or other relevant engineering discipline. 

Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in software development and software engineering, across the full lifecycle (requirement, design, development, integration & testing, deployment, maintenance) 

Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in the design and development of satellite user or ground segment products and technologies, including understanding of the main components of a ground segment and the interactions between them 

Knowledge of Java and or Python programming languages. 

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

Development on Linux systems. 

Experience with Mission Control Systems, preferably based on SCOS-2000. 

Prior team leadership experience 

Knowledge in project life cycle and acceptance procedures. 

Knowledge of ECSS standards. 

Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, cloud technologies. 

Desirable skills 

Operations experience and ability to interact with spacecraft operations engineers. 

Experience or knowledge of Scrum as part of development team or as Product Owner. 

Familiarity with commonly used protocols and standards for spacecraft communications, such as CCSDS, CAN, Spacewire. 

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 

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.