Overview

Co-Founder & CTO, Shield Space | Research Accelerator, Army HQ | Autonomy for Counterspace

Shield Space is developing the AI systems that lets satellites think, react, and operate, even when communications are cut off from Earth. Shield Space is seeking a skilled and driven Principal Autonomy Engineer to join our founding technical team developing the UK’s next generation of autonomous space systems for rendezvous and proximity operations. This is a rare opportunity to take a defining role in a company building sovereign, AI-enabled autonomy for spacecraft. You will help design and deliver the software that allows satellites to think and act independently, forming a core capability for the UK’s future in-orbit defence and space operations. Working directly with the CTO and AI architecture team, you will lead the design, integration, and validation of flight-ready autonomy software across simulation, machine-vision navigation, and GNC domains. The role combines hands-on engineering with systems-level design, bringing together software, hardware, and orbital dynamics into a single, coherent autonomy stack.

Having recently secured its first major investment, Shield Space is now scaling its engineering team to deliver nationally strategic missions and international collaborations. This position offers the chance to join the company at a formative stage, helping define both the technical architecture and the operating culture of a new generation of space autonomy specialists. You will have the opportunity to see your work influence real missions, collaborate with international partners, and help inspire the next wave of engineers building the future of autonomous operations in space.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and integrate autonomy algorithms for spacecraft perception, tracking, and guidance systems within simulated and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Develop test frameworks and validation pipelines for real-time autonomy software.
• Contribute to the design and execution of simulation campaigns supporting mission-representative test cases.
• Collaborate with software, AI, and systems engineers to integrate autonomy functions within full-stack mission architectures.
• Perform verification and validation of autonomy subsystems, including closed-loop testing, simulation-in-the-loop trials, and pre-flight readiness assessments.
• Produce and maintain high-quality documentation, including interface definitions, verification procedures, and test reports.
• Support in the definition of system requirements and their translation into component-level specifications.
• Participate in pre-flight operational rehearsals and provide support during test campaigns and prototype evaluations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in autonomy, GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), or AI/ML development for aerospace or robotic systems.
• Proficiency with Python and C++ in high-performance or embedded environments.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Ansys STK, GMAT, Gazebo, or equivalent orbital/robotic simulators.
• Understanding of spacecraft systems, dynamics, and mission operations principles.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and validate autonomous or semi-autonomous control systems.
• Strong systems-engineering discipline, requirements capture, V&V, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a small, fast-paced technical team.
• Experience with reinforcement learning or computer vision applied to robotics, aerospace, or space systems.
• Background in flight software, embedded systems, or real-time control loops.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or sensor/actuator integration.
• Understanding of mission assurance or safety-critical software processes.
• Experience contributing to early-stage startups or R&D programmes.
• Hybrid working around core hours with office and R&D facilities in Lincolnshire.

About Shield Space

Shield Space is a UK-founded orbital autonomy startup developing sovereign, AI-enabled systems for secure and resilient space operations. Having recently secured significant investment we are looking to onboard the founding technical team to turn our vision into reality. Drawing on heritage from UK Space Command and beyond, we will build vision-based guidance and decision systems that enable small satellites to act independently in orbit even under actively communications-denied conditions. Our mission is to establish the UK as a leader in autonomous orbital defence and in-orbit servicing capability.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to dmolland@shieldspace.co.uk along with a short 1–2 paragraph “Why Me” statement outlining your interest or background in the development of AI/ML autonomy systems for space, and why you believe you’d be the right fit for this role.

There’s no need to repeat information already included in your CV (don’t worry, we will read both!). We’re more interested in understanding what draws you to this field and how you think you could contribute to Shield Space’s mission.