Junior Robotics Engineer

Please only apply for this role if you have UK security clearance or higher or can confirm that you are eligible for it.

Please also note that applications will be open until 1st May, feedback on your application will therefore be provided after this date.

The Challenge:

As a junior robotics engineer for the In-Orbit, Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing team, you will be responsible for supporting the development of key technologies to improve the UK’s capability in space robotics. To be successful, you will develop, verify, and validate new technologies to enable commercialisation by the UK space industry using the Catapult’s robotic facilities at Westcott Venture Park.

We do not expect you to have all the answers, instead we are looking for a good grounding in robotics, a willingness to learn and a ‘can do’ attitude. This role would be ideally suited to a recent graduate already in post but looking for a new challenge in robotics.

You will be working within the Robotics Team to develop the innovative technologies that are needed to enable future space robotics. Working alongside the existing team members, you will be programming and operating our robots to support universities and companies develop and test their technologies and concepts. You will also be working on projects that develop novel robotic technologies to carry out servicing, manufacturing, and exploration of space. Finally, the role will also require you to liaise with internal Catapult teams to support the development of our strategic facilities to accelerate the development of innovative space based robotic solutions.

The purpose of your new team:

• Enable and support UK collaborations to deliver advances in space technology and related operations

• Accelerate the growing UK supply chain for space robotics manufacture, launch and operations

• Identify, develop, and implement key collaboration and partnership opportunities to redefine space manufacturing in the UK.

• Work collaboratively across the Catapult to enhance innovation and creativity & positively contribute to the Catapult culture

Key Responsibilities:

• You will be responsible for the technical deliverables of projects; ensuring the work meets or exceeds requirements, on time and to budget

• Supporting industrial and academic engagement to identify technical needs to grow the industry and deliver innovation

• Working with colleagues, develop project proposals for commercial and collaborative projects

• Identification and specification of technology and equipment needed to deliver identified requirements

• Operation and maintenance of robotic demonstration facilities

• Risk identification and management of issues as they arise

• Liaising with teams across the Catapult

• Creating new opportunities and innovating where opportunity presents

Skills & Experience Required:

• As a minimum, degree in Computer Science, Simulation, Robotics & Automation, a relevant Engineering degree or similar discipline, or equivalent in terms of either other qualifications and/or experience.

• To be successful in this role, you must have experience in robotics technology, in particular: mechanical & electrical integration, machine learning, programming (ROS, C++, Python)

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team

• Self-motivated and a self-starter, with the ability to work autonomously to meet deadlines, and quality expectations, both within a team, or independently.

• Have a creative approach to problem solving

• Desirable: Experience of simulation tools and machine vision

About us & how we work: 

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work.  This helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this: 

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams.  Our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual, providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us. 

This job description set outs the skills and experience we think are needed to be able to perform in this job.  If you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

We offer a hybrid policy which is designed around collaboration, one 'anchor' day per week working with your direct team and another flexible day per week to be spent collaborating or working with other colleagues. This may differ depending on the role you are applying for if it is of more of a practical nature.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.

Please note that we offer study support (at our discretion) and on the job training will be provided.