Job Specifications
Description
Shield Space is seeking a skilled and driven Machine Vision Engineer to join our founding technical team developing the UK’s next generation of spaceborne vision systems for autonomous operations.
This is a rare opportunity to take a defining role in a company building sovereign, AI-enabled vision for spacecraft. You will help design and deliver the software that allows satellites to understand what they see and make decisions in real time, forming a core capability for the UK’s future in-orbit defence and space operations.
Working directly with the CTO and autonomy team, you will lead the design, training, and validation of flight-ready machine vision models that operate on constrained hardware and perform reliably in complex orbital environments. The role combines hands-on model development with systems-level design, bringing together AI, software engineering, and space systems integration.
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 engineering culture of one of the UK’s most ambitious new space ventures. You will see your work deployed in orbit, collaborate with international partners, and contribute to building the UK’s first homegrown capability in intelligent autonomous satellites.
Responsibilities
Design, train, and optimise computer-vision and machine-learning models for use in embedded and autonomous systems.
Develop and maintain high-quality datasets to support model training, testing, and validation.
Evaluate model robustness, accuracy, and real-time performance on constrained compute platforms.
Integrate machine-vision software with existing control and autonomy frameworks.
Support simulation and testing campaigns to validate system performance under realistic conditions.
Document development processes and contribute to continuous improvement of Shield Space’s AI engineering standards.
Essential Skills
Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a closely related field.
Proven experience developing and deploying deep-learning or computer-vision models.
Strong programming ability in Python and C++, with experience in PyTorch or TensorFlow.
Experience working with large datasets, including preprocessing, augmentation, and evaluation.
Understanding of model optimisation, quantisation, or compression for embedded deployment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to both detail and reliability.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team.
Desirable Skills
Background in aerospace, robotics, or other autonomous systems.
Familiarity with model performance testing on resource-constrained hardware (e.g. Jetson or similar).
Experience implementing real-time inference systems or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Knowledge of classical computer-vision algorithms and tracking techniques.
Experience contributing to early-stage R&D or startup environments.
Benefits
Starting salary: £50,000-£60,000
Competitive options package
33 days holiday plus bank holidays
Hybrid working around core hours with office and R&D facilities in Lincolnshire
Opportunity to join a founding-stage engineering team at one of the UK’s fastest-growing space autonomy startups
Direct influence over architecture, culture, and future mission capability
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.
Application deadline: 23:59, Sunday 30th November 2025.
About the Company
We’re here to redefine space security by harnessing the lessons of modern drone warfare. Instead of enormous monolithic satellites, we envision agile, networked clusters of smaller spacecraft capable of manoeuvring, inspecting, and, if necessary, disrupting threats on a tactical timeline. Through focused R&D, targeted prototyping, and collaboration with trusted partners, we plan to deliver orbital defence solutions that are both flexible and cost-effective. Our ultimate aim is to empower decision-makers with real-time, auton...
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