Software Solutions Architect

Astroscale UK is seeking a Software Solutions Architect to join our software team, working across space and ground segments. In this role, you will ensure reliable and efficient interfaces between internal teams and solutions, and external supplier solutions, delivering on required mission outcomes. As the ‘glue’ between our different teams, you will maintain a stable, viable architecture in line with relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Define planned operation and maintenance of solutions, including changes to elements of the software solution, e.g. services, processes, organisation and operating models, as well as technology. Ensure existing and planned solution components are compatible with relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards and practices.
• Consider requirements for security, privacy, and testing of solutions
• Take account of relevant architectures, strategies, policies, standards, and practices
• Identify appropriate cloud services, evaluating cost implications, and optimise for cost-efficiency
• Develop roadmaps to migrate components to cloud services
• Develop and communicate an implementation roadmap
• Provide guidance and risk-based governance to support solution implementation including managing requests for change, and deviations from specifications.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in a Software Solutions Architect or similar senior technical role within complex, integrated environments (ideally space, defence, or advanced manufacturing)
• Strong systems thinking with the ability to design and maintain end-to-end architectures
• Experience integrating multiple systems and suppliers, ensuring interoperability and seamless interfaces across organisational and technical boundaries
• Solid understanding of architecture frameworks, standards, and best practices, with the ability to ensure compliance and governance
• Experience designing for security, privacy, and testability within solution architectures
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, etc), including service selection, cost optimisation, and migration strategies
• Ability to develop and communicate clear solution and implementation roadmaps aligned to business and mission objectives
• Experience managing change control, assessing deviations, and applying risk-based decision-making within engineering environments
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to act as the “bridge” between technical teams, business stakeholders, and external suppliers
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance technical, operational, and commercial considerations

Desirable skills

• Familiarity with satellite systems, mission operations, or ground segment architecture
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g. ECSS, ISO, or other relevant aerospace/software standards)
• Experience working with distributed systems, real-time systems, or mission-critical software environments
• Exposure to DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software delivery methodologies
• Experience with data architecture, APIs, and integration platforms
• Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and secure-by-design principles in mission-critical environments
• Experience evaluating and managing third-party vendors and technology partners
• Awareness of cost modelling and business case development for technical solutions

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 considered
• (Visa sponsorship for employees considered) – remove as appropriate
• State of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell).

About Astroscale

Founded in 2013, Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space for the benefit of future generations. We provide trusted and value-added solutions for government and commercial clients from their geography of choice, to drive the long-term, circular space economy. Astroscale is also collaborating with government and commercial stakeholders to develop norms, regulations, and incentives that promote the sustainable growth of space.

Since our first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions, establishing the company as a leader in on-orbit servicing. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat OneWeb. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, service and remove, the potential of a circular space economy — and a future of no waste in space — is being unlocked.

At Astroscale we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astrsocale is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.

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.