Project Description:

• The successful applicant will focus on implementing features on either the front end or back end of our mission planning software, MMS. The area they’ll be working within the team will depend on their skillset but the core requirements of the role will remain the same.

  Working on front end development will ensure that features such as user inputs, graphical user interfaces and spacecraft propagation within the user interface is functioning correctly. As the development of MMS continues, new features will also be required to be implemented and current features will require further work to improve their capabilities.

  Working with the back end team will focus on making sure that the underlying physics is working correctly. Working closely with the front end team will also be required to ensure that requests made within the user interface are processed correctly on the back end. Work on implementing new features will also be a core requirement of this applicant.

  As MMS will be heavily in development, customer reported feature requests and bug fixes will also require work to ensure the software meets the expectations and capabilities the users expect and require to successfully plan their spacecraft’s missions.

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

• The applicant will spend their 10 weeks with SmallSpark developing their software skills, ensuring that work they carry out is consistent with the current level set out by the MMS development team. Whilst the team is guided by the development goals of the software, a high level of independence is given to the team to carry out their work. This will also be provided to the applicant, providing them a good level of responsibility within an industrial environment. This will allow the applicant the freedom to tackle problems their own way, helping them build their confidence and ability to work freely. Alongside this, internal communication platforms are used for any queries and weekly meetings are organised to ensure the development team are comfortable and focused in their tasks.

  This role will provide the applicant an excellent opportunity to improve their communication skills, confidence in the work they carry out and working methods that are required in an industrial environment. These skills can then be taken back into the rest of their degree and into their future career.

Minimum requirements:

• The applicant will require a knowledge of strongly typed, lower level language like C++ or Rust and/or a language such as Typescript with experience in a framework such as React.

  The applicant should also have experience in mission planning tools, such as GMAT or STK. Projects that utilise these tools, spacecraft mission analysis & design and/or spacecraft operations should also be highlighted in the application. Real world experience in these areas is also highly desirable, for example University/Industry cubesat or ground system projects.

  The applicant will also require a good level of communication skills with the ability to work on their own independent tasks. SmallSpark implements a hybrid working policy but encourages working from the office where possible. This will provide the applicant with the opportunity to better improve their communication skills whilst benefitting from sitting within the team at SmallSpark.

Academic / Minimum requirements / Desirable requirements: 

BEng/MEng/BSc/MSc/PhD in relevant STEM Degree

Post and undergraduate applications welcome

Process details:

• 10 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• In-person Induction Event and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement