Principal Engineer Visa Sponsorship Uk

Job Description

Position Overview

Astroscale UK (ASUK) is an emerging and rapidly growing entity within the UK space sector. As part of its expanding operations, several debris removal vehicles are set for launch in the coming years. To ensure effective project execution, it is essential for ASUK’s engineering teams to establish and standardize technical governance practices across its engineering work.

ASUK has initiated the development of its internal engineering standards for new projects, collectively known as the Astroscale UK Engineering Lifecycle Standards (AELS). This role is designed to carry forward the work already done in developing these standards, ensuring that ASUK’s engineering processes are efficient and deliver high-quality outcomes. Although the groundwork has begun, there is ample opportunity for autonomy and ownership in this role. It is a critical position that will contribute directly to the technical success, operational efficiency, and profitability of ASUK.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain engineering standards to provide technical governance for ASUK projects.
• Use the European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS) as a primary reference, adapting it to the needs of a commercial space organization that both develops a significant amount of in-house technology and integrates external systems.
• Review existing engineering standards published in ASUK’s quality management system and provide actionable feedback.
• Treat the development and deployment of new standards as a standalone project, ensuring realistic timelines and clear deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with the engineering director to assess and refine the timeline for developing and implementing new standards.
• Approach standardization from both top-down and bottom-up perspectives, collaborating with various engineering management teams to identify specific needs for each group.
• Work closely with the engineering management team to engage key stakeholders and involve them in the development process.
• Support engineering leads on new ASUK projects by assisting in the rollout of standards. The applicability of these standards will vary depending on the maturity of each project.
• Monitor compliance with the agreed standards and ensure they are being adhered to on applicable projects.

Essential Skills

• Extensive knowledge of engineering standards, processes, and methodologies relevant to the space industry.
• Experience in implementing and continuously improving engineering standards.
• Ability to balance expectations between flexible, light-touch standards and long-standing institutional practices to meet the needs of a commercial space business.
• Strong working knowledge of ECSS, with the ability to tailor it to improve operational efficiency in engineering projects and departments.
• Familiarity with general systems engineering processes and methodologies (e.g., INCOSE guidelines).
• Proven ability in stakeholder management.
• Strong technical background in the space industry, particularly in the field of space debris removal.
• A proactive and solutions-driven mindset, with a focus on collaborative success.
• Project management experience and familiarity with conducting project review gates (e.g., Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, Critical Operations Review).
• Excellent organizational and teamwork skills, with the ability to drive results independently.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and reporting abilities.
• High personal standards of integrity, openness, and honesty.

Desirable Skills

• Over 8 years of experience in the space industry, with a broad understanding of multiple disciplines.
• Experience with the full mission lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, verification, commissioning, and operations.
• Basic understanding of debris removal, end-of-life services, in-orbit maintenance, or servicing.
• Knowledge of key space missions such as ADRAS-J, MEV-1, DEOS, ATV, and ETS-7.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multicultural environment with teams from different countries.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Opportunity to work with a talented, diverse, and dynamic international team using cutting-edge technology.
• Flexible working hours and a supportive environment.
• Option for a 9/75 working pattern.
• Hybrid working available depending on role requirements.
• 25 days of holiday, increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days, plus 8 days of Bank Holiday.
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay.
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit).
• Relocation allowance, if applicable.
• Visa sponsorship may be available.
• New state-of-the-art office and cleanroom facility.
• Regular social events.

Location

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

About Astroscale

Astroscale is a pioneering company dedicated to ensuring the safe and sustainable future of space operations. Founded in 2013, we are the first private company focused on in-orbit servicing across all orbits, with the goal of becoming an integral part of routine commercial space operations by 2030. We are developing scalable solutions across a range of in-orbit servicing missions, including Active Debris Removal, End of Life services, In-situ Space Situational Awareness, and Life Extension Services, to reduce space debris and create sustainable space systems.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Astroscale is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.

Note for Recruitment Agencies
Astroscale operates a preferred supplier list and does not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details to any Astroscale employee in response to this advert.