National AI Awards 2025Discover AI's trailblazers! Join us to celebrate innovation and nominate industry leaders.

Nominate & Attend

Research Assistant in Astrodynamics

UCL Eastman Dental Institute
London
2 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Aerodynamics Engineer

Senior Research Assistant in CPU/GPU Satellite Modem

Research Assistant or Associate in satellite-based contrail assessment

Head of Procurement

Solutions and Implementation Engineer (Logistics)

Engineering Services - Satellite Sensor Science and Crosscutting Technology

About the role

The post holder will work within a team of eight people (three research assistants, three academics and two PhD students) as part of a European Space Agency project to develop orbit determination and time synchronisation methods for the Generation II OneWeb satellite constellation.

Design, development and testing of space vehicle flight dynamics models Software development and testing for the astrodynamics-specific components of the project, including: model partial derivatives, inputs to the state transition matrices, and incorporation of the dynamic models into the system integrator.

About you

MSc/MEng or studying towards a PhD in astrodynamics, aeronautical engineering or related discipline. Knowledge and experience and research interest in subjects intersecting spacecraft flight dynamics, orbit determination, orbit prediction and space technology. The ability to write and test software in C++ and Python. The ability to write technical and mathematical documentation. The ability to work as part of a team.

A Master's (MSc/MEng) in Astrodynamics, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related discipline. Strong knowledge, experience, and research interest in areas at the intersection of spacecraft flight dynamics, orbit determination, orbit prediction and space technology. Proficiency in writing and testing software using C++ and Python. Ability to produce clear and precise technical and mathematical documentation. Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the early-stage design and development of a cutting-edge space system, working directly with system operators and the European Space Agency. The project focuses on two rapidly evolving domains: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication systems (mega-constellations) and LEO Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).

The salary for this role is (£38, - £41,). Salary on appointment is subject to experience.

This is a fixed-term role until 30th of June in the first instance.

Individuals must be cleared and have the right to work in the UK by the 1st of May to commence the role .

Interviews are planned for 3rd and 4th of April,

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme

Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

Immigration loan

Relocation scheme for certain posts

On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme:Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance
National AI Awards 2025

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

LinkedIn Profile Checklist for Space Industry Jobs: 10 Tweaks to Launch Recruiter Engagement

The space sector—from satellite design and launch operations to mission control and space science—is more competitive than ever. Recruiters look for candidates skilled in systems engineering, orbital mechanics, spacecraft avionics and data analysis. A standout LinkedIn profile ensures you surface in searches and impress hiring teams from leading organisations like ESA, Airbus Defence & Space, and emerging NewSpace firms. This step-by-step LinkedIn for space jobs checklist delivers ten targeted tweaks to launch recruiter engagement. Whether you’re a propulsion engineer, systems architect, or mission analyst, these practical optimisations will elevate your professional narrative and maximise your visibility.

Part-Time Study Routes That Lead to Space Jobs: Evening Courses, Bootcamps & Online Masters

The UK space sector is booming—now the third-largest in Europe, contributing over £17 billion annually and poised for rapid expansion in satellite communications, Earth observation, exploration and space-enabled services. With missions from small satellites in low Earth orbit to lunar landers and beyond, demand for skilled space professionals—engineers, analysts, mission planners and data scientists—is surging. Yet many professionals cannot pause their careers or personal commitments for full-time study. Thankfully, part-time learning pathways—Evening Courses, Intensive Bootcamps and Flexible Online Master’s Programmes—enable you to learn space technologies while working. This comprehensive guide unveils every route: foundational CPD units, hands-on bootcamps, accredited online MSc qualifications, funding options, planning strategies and a real-world case study. Whether you’re an aerospace engineer, software developer or Earth observation specialist, you’ll discover how to build space-sector expertise alongside your current career.

The Ultimate Assessment-Centre Survival Guide for Space Sector Jobs in the UK

Assessment centres for space sector positions in the UK replicate the interdisciplinary, high-stakes environment of spacecraft design, mission operations and R&D. Through psychometric assessments, orbital mechanics problems, systems engineering tasks, mission-design workshops, case studies and interviews, recruiters test your technical prowess, analytical rigour and teamwork. Whether you specialise in satellite engineering, propulsion, space robotics or mission control, this guide prepares you to excel at every stage and secure your next role in the space industry.