Senior Computer Vision Engineer (Space Robotics)

Location: Oxfordshire, UK, Didcot/Harwell; hybrid working available, dependent on individual role requirements. Relocation allowance considered.

Company

hirify.global develops on-orbit servicing solutions for spacecraft life extension, refurbishment, upgrades, space situational awareness, end-of-life missions, and active debris removal.

What you will do

• Design and develop computer vision algorithms for space object detection, tracking, and 6DoF pose estimation.
• Define computer vision subsystem architectures, requirements, and performance budgets aligned with mission objectives.
• Support computer vision hardware procurement, including LiDAR systems and cameras, in collaboration with vendors and supplier chain management engineers.
• Plan and execute verification, validation, hardware-in-the-loop campaigns, subsystem testing, and integrated system testing.
• Support integration and testing of flight software implementations of computer vision algorithms and collaborate with Systems, GNC, Flight Dynamics, and other engineering disciplines.
• Conduct relevant state-of-the-art research, review engineering work, guide junior engineers, and contribute to system-level FMECA and FDIR activities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant engineering or science discipline.
• At least 5 years of industrial or research experience in computer vision algorithm development and deployment.
• Strong understanding of computer vision principles, image processing, machine learning, and deep learning techniques.
• Demonstrated experience developing computer vision algorithms from concept through validation and deployment.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Matlab, C, and C++ for computer vision applications, with familiarity with OpenCV, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
• Understanding of LiDAR and camera sensor principles, software testing, and software integration.
• Good understanding of software configuration management and version control tools, including Git and Git-flow workflows.
• Basic knowledge of space system design.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to explain complex ideas clearly, collaborate across roles and backgrounds, self-manage, and adapt to changing project requirements.

Nice to have

• Experience with vision-based navigation in space and spacecraft systems.
• Experience designing experimental testbeds for generating and collecting algorithm-training data.
• Knowledge of rigid-body dynamics and kinematics.
• Previous relevant experience in the space industry.
• Practical experience developing embedded systems software in C or C++ or other safety-critical software experience.
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks such as Jenkins.
• Familiarity with ROS, ROS2, or similar robotics middleware.
• Knowledge of LiDAR signal processing, sensor fusion, and multi-sensor perception systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working around core hours and an optional 9/75 working pattern.
• Hybrid working, subject to individual role requirements.
• 25 days of holiday, increasing yearly to a maximum of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays.
• Life insurance, long-term sick pay, and private healthcare as a taxable benefit.
• Inclusive, diverse, friendly, and supportive international working environment with regular social events.
• State-of-the-art office and cleanroom facilities; job share arrangements are supported.