Senior Mechanisms Engineer Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Astroscale UK is looking for an experienced and motivated mechanism / mechatronic engineer with a background in space, aerospace, or other technical areas to work at our cutting-edge facility in Harwell, UK.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our pleasant, inviting, and professional team at a dynamic and fast developing company. As a senior member of the payload team, you will lead some elements of the project and mentor others.

You will provide subject matter expertise to the payload team, assisting in the definition and driving of the design, development, testing, and operations of the unique capture systems for our missions within tight time constraints, while collaborating across all functions within the engineering teams and with suppliers around the world.

In this position, you will make a beneficial contribution to the rising problem of orbital debris, which endangers humanity’s use of space as a resource.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical requirements for mechanisms are generated at the spaceship, subsystem, and unit levels.

• Plan and assist the development of innovative and novel technology and hardware, such as unit modules and ground support equipment, to meet mission objectives.

• Work closely with Mechanical Analysis and Design Engineers to conduct structural analysis of flight and mission support devices.

• Collaborate with the AIV team to ensure that mechanism designs incorporate ease of manufacture, assembly, integration, and testing.

• Define and carry out hardware-related activities during spacecraft design and development, AIV phases, and launch campaigns.

• Support structural testing of flying and engineering hardware.

• Generate and maintain MCAD-related documents, such as specifications and manufacturing drawings.

• Create inputs for project lifecycle reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.).

• Help Procurement with the manufacturing supply chain and supplier interaction.

• As a member of the Astroscale worldwide team, you will be able to assist with companywide projects and activities.

Essential Skills

• Diploma; Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanisms, mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5-10+ years of expertise in Mechanism Engineering.
• Demonstrable experience directing the design lifecycle of complex, safety-critical mechanisms, from concept to design, analysis, testing, and operations.
• Commercial experience leading mechanism analysis, design/procurement, and testing; preferably for spacecraft.
• A thorough understanding of mechanism design, particularly the role of tribology in space design.
• A thorough awareness of the trade-offs involved in the design, selection, and implementation of mechanisms.
• A solid understanding of mechanism suppliers and products, as well as the most recent developments in mechanism systems and mechanism R&D themes.
• Good understanding of spacecraft mission lifetime and milestones (e.g., MDR, PDR, CDR).
• Good understanding of system engineering and handling needs throughout the project lifecycle.
• Experience building creative hardware and/or efficient mechanical solutions to complicated issues under tight deadlines.

Desirable Skills

• Understanding and appreciation for mechanism design issues in the space sector.
• Understanding of current manipulator technologies for on-orbit servicing.
• Knowledge and application of magnetism and magnetic characteristics in capture mechanisms.
• Proficient with SolidWorks (alternative CAD software systems such as CATIA, NX, and CREO will also be considered), as well as PDM.
• Experience with FEA using structural analysis software packages such as Nastran and Hyperworks.
• Experience with the modelling and simulation of kinematic systems and mechanics.
• Data can be processed automatically (using VBA or Python).
• Good overall knowledge of the following areas: debris removal, end-of-life, and in-orbit service.
• Proactively seek out the needs in order to develop clear targets and be accountable for time and deliverables.
• Be prepared for changes; seek clarifications; and use sound engineering judgement when well-established information is unavailable.
• Leadership and managerial experience.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Opportunity to collaborate with a highly talented, varied, and dynamic international team using cutting-edge technology.
• Flexible working arrangements around core hours in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere
• Hybrid working is available (based on individual position requirements).
• 9-day working fortnight (opt-in or out)
• 25 days holiday (growing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) plus 8 days bank holiday
• Life insurance and long-term ill pay.
• Private healthcare (a taxable benefit).
• Relocation Allowance
• Visa sponsorship for employees is considered.
• New modern office and cleanroom facilities.
• Regular social events

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell), with prospective trip to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo).

About Astroscale.

We intend to deliver cutting-edge technologies that will be integrated into everyday commercial space activities by 2030.

Astroscale is the first commercial enterprise with a vision to ensure the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations, as well as the sole provider of in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions for a wide range of in-orbit servicing missions, including end-of-life services, active debris removal, in-situ space situational awareness, and life extension services, in order to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the hazardous buildup of space debris.

Astroscale is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All competent applicants, particularly minorities, women, and those with impairments, are urged to apply.

Note for recruitment agencies:

Astroscale maintains a preferred Supplier List and does not accept unsolicited agency offers. Please do not send candidate CVs or information in response to this advertisement, or to any Astroscale employee.