Job Description

Astroscale UK is seeking a dynamic and technically strong engineer to lead our UK-based Computer Vision team, a key part of our global Algorithms and Software Group. You'll combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership to design, develop, and deliver real-time computer vision and image processing software for spacecraft and ground systems.



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'll lead a talented team of engineers to design computer vision algorithms for object detection, tracking, and pose estimation, contributing to the development of novel spacecraft navigation solutions for challenging rendezvous and proximity-operation scenarios.

Responsibilities

Team Management

Lead the Astroscale UK Computer Vision (CV) team to deliver computer vision solutions to company/project compliant with technical and programmatic requirements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including GNC Algorithm team, GNC Hardware team, GNC System team, Software team and project managers to understand project requirements and constraints. Review the CV algorithms developments across the team, providing expert technical feedback. Support internal and external review gates for Astroscale projects. Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in computer vision and deep learning. Encourage and facilitate continuous learning and innovation within the team. Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture. Support the personal and professional growth of team members through training, mentorship, and development opportunities. Support recruitment processes for new team members. Produce well structured, realistic, clear plans with key activities, timescales, milestones and resources. Schedule tasks for team. Regularly review progress against plans to ensure delivery.





Computer Vision Development

Lead the design of computer vision modules for pose-estimation algorithms for Astroscale satellites. Benchmark the performance of the algorithms, under different operating configurations. Deliver CV software, guaranteeing software quality and run-time efficiency Participate in the design, implementation and testing of safety critical software solutions, and PIL / HIL verification test-benches. Support knowledge transfer from Astroscale teams globally and provide technical review inputs to projects across the Astroscale organisation.

Essential Skills

Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or other relevant engineering/science discipline. At least 3 years of experience in leading and managing a team, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members. 5 years of proven experience in computer vision research and development, with a focus on algorithm design and implementation. Solid understanding of computer vision principles, machine learning techniques, and deep learning frameworks Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities. Proactive and self-managing, able to plan and effectively lead areas of responsibility whilst contributing collaboratively within a close-knit team. Excellent inter-personal skills, willing to collaborate effectively with people in different roles and with different cultural & technical backgrounds. Excellent communication skills: Articulate complex ideas in an easy, clear manner. Strong programming skills in Python/Matlab/C/C++ for computer vision applications, including familiarity with popular computer vision libraries and frameworks such as OpenCV, TensorFlow and PyTorch. Strong knowledge of software configuration control. Strong understanding of Lidar signal processing and principles of tracking & estimation and understanding the principles of LIDAR and Camera sensors. Knowledge or experience on Software testing, Unit and integration testing, Software integration, interfaces design. Strong organization and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Capability to generate project documentation, developing specifications, requirements and design, and other engineering documentation. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing project requirements. Familiarity with Git and git-flow like processes. A basic knowledge of space system design.

Desirable skills

Experience with vision-based navigation in space Knowledge of rigid body dynamics and kinematics. Previous relevant experience in the space industry. Practical experience in development of embedded systems software (C, C++) in related industrial context or other experience in safety critical software. Understanding and use of concepts such as Continuous Integration (Jenkins) and Test-Driven Development.

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.