Co-Founder & CTO, Shield Space | Research Accelerator, Army HQ | Autonomy for Counterspace
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, Qualifications & Benefits
* 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.
* Hold a 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.
* Background in aerospace, robotics, or other autonomous systems.
* Familiarity with model performance testing on resource‑constrained hardware (e.g. Jetson).
* 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.
* 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.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
* Space Research and Technology
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