Technical Architect Ground Segment full_time

Astroscale UK is looking for a skilled and experienced Technical Architect to support our rapidly growing and innovative company.  

Our ideal candidates will not only be passionate about space and space sustainability but will be passionate about supporting our teams by bringing a wealth of technical experience and expertise to advance Astroscale UK’s position. 

This role is critical to ensure make a difference every day by ensuring the architecture is in place to drive forward our missions and help to make space safer and more sustainable for future generations. 

As a Technical Architect you will reinforce and strengthen the Ground Segment Team, using your skillset to advance its evolution in a growth context. 

As a Technical Architect you will be the right hand of the Chief engineer and take ownership of a number of delegated responsibilities to ensure Astroscale UK delivers on time, and with ambition. 

Responsibilities 

• Technical decisions for projects 
  • Receives the Engineering Director’s delegation of authority in relation to technical decisions when necessaryIs the technical reviewer for their field of specialism across each of the relevant engineering domains 
  • Is the key referent/ first point of contact in case of ground segment technical queries that cannot be managed by the respective teams 
  • Defines, documents multi mission support Ground Segment design, internal and external interfaces 

• Roadmapping the GS development
  • In collaboration with the ground segment group manager, define the ground segment roadmap, driving for a multi-mission support
  • Document the plan and the decisions
  • Coordinate with projects and finance to ensure the plan is feasible
  • Define the internal and external interfaces
  • Develop a credible timeline for implementation
  • Champion the development

• Problem resolution 
  • Works across the engineering teams to ensure problems are managed from identification through to resolution. Help resolve technical problems as and when they arise 
  • Analyses issues breaking them down into smaller manageable parts 

• Project & technical development reviews 
  • Oversees the technical development and implementation of assigned programs in the relevant project reviews, and guides teams 

• Engineering processes and procedures 
  • In collaboration with the Ground segment group manager, ensures quality of standards and procedures across engineering, defining, mapping and proposing processes and procedures  
  • Ensures overall progress is reported to the Engineering Director  

Essential Skills

• Masters engineering degree in an associated field.  
• Experienced people manager 
• Experienced in the development & design of ground segment and systems 
• Experience at spacecraft level in a systems architecture roles 
• At least 10-15+ years’ experience in their areas of expertise  
• Experience working with businesses delivering long-term complex projects and programmes  
• Analytically excellent  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to influence at all levels   
• Resilience, passion for results 
• Curious, problem-solving skills, challenges the status quo 
• Principles led and impeccable work ethic 
• The ability to act as a role model for Astrocale’s culture  

Desirable skills

• Previous experience of Ground System Architecture or Ground systems design, implementation and verification 
• Knowledge of C++ and/or Java programming languages.  
• Knowledge of ECSS and CCSDS 
• Basic Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc.  
• Development on Linux systems.  

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
• 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
• New state of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events 

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell) ), with potential for some travel to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo)

About Astroscale

We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030.

Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space.

Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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.