Flight Dynamics Team Lead

Astroscale UK is seeking an experienced Flight Dynamics Team Lead to join our Algorithms and Software Group.

In this role, you will lead a team of Flight Dynamics engineers responsible for the design, development, implementation, and validation of the full Flight Dynamics software suite supporting our Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) missions. 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 will play a key role across the mission lifecycle, contributing to mission design and providing support for on-orbit satellite operations.

The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in orbital mechanics and trajectory design, demonstrated experience supporting satellite operations, and the ability to lead, mentor, and technically guide a team of Flight Dynamics engineers.

• Lead the design, development, validation and maintenance of Flight Dynamics systems and software tools needed for operating Astroscale missions.
• Lead the design and optimization of spacecraft trajectories to meet mission requirements
• Oversee the development and the implementation of required flight dynamics algorithms for Astroscale mission operations.
• Review and approve Flight Dynamics designs, procedures, and associated technical documentation.
• Requirements capture, definition, tailoring, analysis and conversion to use cases and stories.
• Support the Operations team to resolve technical issues and providing advice on best practice.
• Interface with the external suppliers’ teams acting as a Product Owner or Technical Officer and provide support to the development team during the ground segment development phase
• Produce and maintain project documentation to good standard including requirements, verification and validation plan, test procedures, test reports, etc.

• Provide line management for team members, including workload prioritisation, removing blockers, conducting performance appraisals, and managing probation reviews.
• Plan the technical work for the team members, assigning tasks effectively based on team members’ skills, available resources, and project milestones.
• Overall accountability for the team technical output.
• Support internal and external review gates for Astroscale projects.
• Identify skillset and headcount/labour shortfalls in context of current and upcoming team workload.
• Work with the group manager to create a plan together to address resource shortfalls (including permanent hiring, temporary hiring and/or outsourcing solutions).
• Support recruitment by reviewing CVs and conducting interviews for positions in your team
• Create a plan to address the development needs of the existing team members.
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and guidance to a team of flight dynamics engineers.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture.
• Wider Responsibilities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including GNC Algorithm team, System team, Software team, Ground Segment team and project managers to understand project requirements and constraints.
• Interface with Flight Dynamics teams based at other Astroscale locations to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing.

• Master’s degree in Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering or similar
• 5+ years of proven experience in spacecraft flight dynamics
• At least 3 years of experience in leading and managing a team, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members
• Strong knowledge of orbital mechanics, estimation theory and optimization techniques
• Experience with mission design, analysis, orbit determination, and manoeuvre planning for operational missions
• Operations experience and ability to interact with spacecraft operations engineers.
• Experience with industry-standard flight dynamics software (e.g., STK, GMAT, Free Flyer) and analysis/scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Knowledge in project life cycle and acceptance procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts clearly.
• Team leadership – ability to lead…