We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Mission Database Engineer with Space Engineering domain knowledge to join our team at our brand-new state-of-the-art office in Harwell, UK. The successful candidate will lead the design development and verification of the Satellite Reference Database (SRDB) for our future orbital debris missions. We are a fast-growing company where you can expand on your experience and develop your skills further to enable your team to deliver amazing results. Your role will help us make a difference every day by ensuring the software team is well placed to drive forward our missions and help to make space safer and more sustainable for future generations. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with considerable experience in Spacecraft database management looking to take the next step in their career. From a technical perspective, the successful candidate will lead the design, development, and optimization of the Satellite Reference Database (SRDB) for a series of missions. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the database infrastructure that stores and manages critical mission data. You will closely collaborate with various stakeholders, such as satellite operations, ground segment, flight software and other engineering teams, to further evolve the SRDB product to efficiently support several key aspects such as Satellite development, testing, planning, management and operations. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in one or more of the following areas: database engineering, satellite data management, satellite ground segment and operations. Key Responsibilities: Database Architecture & Design : Lead the architecture and deployment of robust SRDB solutions, ensuring high availability, scalability, and reliability for mission-critical satellite data. Support Software Engineers : Collaborate with and support software engineers in the development of SRDB solutions, providing expertise and guidance to ensure seamless integration and functionality. Data Integration & Management : Oversee the automated ingestion process and management of satellite telemetry, telecommand, and related mission data in the SRDB as well as generation of output data products. Mission Information Base (MIB) Generation : Develop and manage processes for generating the Mission Information Base (MIB) from the SRDB that is compatible with the MCS (SCOS 2K). Leadership & Mentorship : Build and lead a database engineering team, providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring alignment with project goals. Automation & Innovation : Lead automation efforts to streamline the processing, ingestion, and analysis of satellite data, enhancing efficiency in database operations. Stakeholder Collaboration : Work closely with Systems, Ground Segment, Flight Software, AIV and Operations teams to ensure that the SRDB supports all required mission data and functionality through all phases of the mission. Verification & Validation : Implement processes to ensure data validity, tool validation, consistency and quality of SRDB content. Documentation & Reporting : Maintain comprehensive documentation for SRDB systems, data processes, and tools. Provide regular reports to stakeholders on the development progress, data accuracy, and satellite mission readiness. Essential Skills Bachelor, master’s degree or PHD in computer science, aerospace engineering or relevant engineering / science discipline. 8 years of spacecraft database engineering, or related field, previous experience within spacecraft operations/analysis would also be an advantage. Proven experience with large-scale database systems and managing satellite or telemetry-related data. Experience in generating mission-critical data outputs, such as a Mission Information Base (MIB). Experience with industry standards, processes, protocols for spacecraft communications, such as CCSDS & PUS. Solid understanding of satellite telemetry and telecommand packet structures (TM/TC) and its use of its systems controls e.g SCOS-2K. Previous experience in SQL databases design and management. Basic understanding of programming languages such as Python or Java. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across cross-functional teams and leadership. Proactive and self-managing, able to plan and effectively lead areas of responsibility whilst contributing collaboratively within a close-knit team. Awareness of Astroscale’s position in the marketplace and our business goals and applying this knowledge accordingly to the technical solutions created. Desirable skills Knowledge of space/ground segment architectures would be advantageous Knowledge of cFE and cFS flight software. Knowledge of ground segment architectures. Familiarity with Agile / Scrum software development practices. Use of the SysML and/or UML modelling languages. Basic Linux system administration, shell scripts, make, etc. Development on Linux systems. Knowledge of MATLAB Knowledge of assembler for microcontrollers 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 New state of the art office and cleanroom facility Regular social events Location Astroscale UK (Harwell), with potential for some travel to Astroscale Japan (Tokyo) About Astroscale We aim to deliver cutting edge technologies that will become part of routine commercial space operations by 2030. Astroscale is the first private company with a vision to secure the safe and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations, and the only company dedicated to in-orbit servicing across all orbits. Founded in 2013, we are developing innovative and scalable solutions across the spectrum of in-orbit servicing missions, including End of Life services, Active Debris Removal, In-situ Space Situational Awareness and Life Extension Services, to create sustainable space systems and mitigate against the hazardous build-up of debris in space. Astroscale is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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.