From a technical perspective, this role will focus on leading the Flight Software verification and validation 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 V&V Team. The team is responsible for the integration, verification, 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 V&V is created to the required level of quality and delivered on time and to budget.
- Motivate and develop the Flight Software V&V Team, mentoring junior staff and establishing strong team identity.
- Act as subject matter expert in Flight Software verification & Validation.
- 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
- Report any blockers or issues the team is facing to the line manager
- Support the Group Manager with any interviews (specifically for the V&V team) when required
- 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.
- 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 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 ESA.
- 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.
- 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.
- Basic knowledge in the following areas: debris removal, end-of-life, in-orbit servicing.
- 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
- 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.
