Computer Vision Engineer

Astroscale UK (ASUK) is seeking a technically strong and experienced Computer Vision engineer to join our UK-based Computer Vision team, a key part of our global Algorithms and Software Group. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, verification, and deployment of advanced computer vision algorithms and software for spacecraft and ground systems.

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 contribute to the design of computer vision algorithms for object detection, tracking, and pose estimation, supporting the development of novel spacecraft navigation solutions for challenging rendezvous and proximity-operation scenarios.

Responsibilities 

• Design and develop computer vision algorithms for space object detection and tracking, and 6DoF pose estimation for space applications.
• Support the definition of computer vision subsystem architectures, requirements, and performance budgets aligned with mission objectives.
• Contribute to computer vision verification & validation planning and execution, including performance assessment and requirements verification
• Support the integration and testing of flight software implementations of computer vision algorithms.
• Support the computer vision hardware procurement activities working collaboratively with vendors and supplier chain management engineers.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (Systems, GNC, Flight Dynamics, etc.) in the planning, design and development of ASJP mission/system to ensure software and hardware performance and compatibility
• Conduct state-of-the-art research into computer vision algorithm designs relevant to ASUK missions.

Essential Skills

• Masters degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or other relevant engineering/science discipline.
• Minimum 2 years' industrial or research experience in computer vision algorithm development and deployment.
• Strong understanding of computer vision principles, image processing, machine learning and deep learning techniques
• Demonstrated experience developing computer vision algorithms from concept through validation and deployment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Proactive and self-managing.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, willing to collaborate effectively with people in different roles and with different cultural & technical backgrounds.
• 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.
• Good knowledge of software configuration management.
• Understanding of LIDAR and/or Camera sensors principles.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Good understanding of software configuration management and version control tools (Git and Git-flow workflows).

Desirable Skills 

• Experience with vision-based perception and navigation in space
• Experience with designing experimental testbed for generating/collecting data to be used for algorithms training and testing.
• Knowledge of rigid body dynamics and kinematics of robotics manipulators.
• 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.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks (e.g., Jenkins, GTest).
• Familiarity with ROS, ROS2, or similar robotics middleware
• Knowledge of LiDAR signal processing, sensor fusion, and multi-sensor perception 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
• 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 considered
• State of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events 

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell).

About Astroscale

Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space. The company delivers a variety of innovative and scalable on-orbit servicing solutions, including life extension, refurbishment, upgrades, in-situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal. Since its first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions. 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. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, relocate, remove, and extend the life of spacecraft, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked. Headquartered in Japan, Astroscale has a global presence with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Israel. Find out more about Astroscale at www.astroscale.com.

At Astroscale UK 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. Astroscale UK is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale UK 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.