Spacecraft Tracking and Guidance Engineer

Job Description Job DescriptionShield Space isseekinga skilled and driven Spacecraft Tracking and Guidance Engineer to join our technical team developing the UKs next generation of autonomous space systems for rendezvous and proximity operations.This role focuses on the development of precision tracking and guidance software that allows spacecraft to track andmaintainstablealignment with objects in orbit during autonomous operations. Achieving this capability requires highlyaccurateprediction,estimationand control algorithms capable of operating in dynamic orbital environments.Working directly with the CTO and autonomy engineering team, you will contribute to the design, integration and validation of spacecraft tracking and guidance systems across simulation,navigationand mission software environments. The role combines hands-on algorithm development with systems-level engineering, bringing together sensor data, orbitaldynamicsand control logic into a coherent autonomy stack.Having recently secured its first major investment, Shield Space is expanding its engineering capability to support upcoming flight demonstrations and international collaborations. This position offers the chance to join the company at a formative stage, helping develop the software systems that will underpin the next generation of autonomous spacecraft operations.ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement algorithms for spacecraft tracking and guidance during autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations.Develop predictive tracking algorithms capable of estimating the motion of objects in orbit using sensor and navigation data.Design software that converts tracking information into guidance commands for spacecraft control systems.Develop simulation campaigns and test frameworks to evaluate tracking and guidance performance across representative orbital conditions.Produce andmaintainhigh-quality technical documentation including interface definitions, algorithmspecificationsand verification reports.Essential SkillsDegree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Physics, ComputerScienceor a closely related technical discipline.25 years of experience developing tracking, guidance or control algorithms for aerospace,roboticsor autonomous systems.Strong understanding of dynamic systems, stateestimationor predictive tracking methods.Proficiencywith Python and C++ in high-performance or embedded environments.Experience with simulation tools such as Ansys STK, GMAT, Gazebo or equivalent aerospace or robotics simulators.Understanding of spacecraft dynamics, orbitalmechanicsor relative motion.Ability to work effectively in a small, fast-paced technical team.Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).Desirable SkillsExperience with Kalman filtering, sensorfusionor state estimation techniques.Experience with spacecraft attitude control or precision pointing systems.Experience with computer vision or optical tracking systems.Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing.Experience working on space,roboticsor defence technology programmes.Experience contributing to early-stage startups or R&D programmes.BenefitsStarting salary: 60,000Competitive options package33 days holidayinc.bank holidaysHybrid working around core hours with office and R&D facilities in Lincolnshire

Created: 2026-03-20