Impact Acceleration Research Associate in VLEO Satellite Systems

We are recruiting an enthusiastic and collaborative researcher with expertise in satellite systems engineering for a 7-month role to support a UKRI Impact Acceleration Account project in between the University of Manchester and CASA Space Technologies Limited. The project aims to assess the commercial potential of drag-reducing coatings for satellites operating in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). The successful candidate will work closely with academic teams at the University of Manchester and the spinout company CASA Space Technologies. They will engage directly with satellite manufacturers and early adopters to evaluate how these coatings affect satellite system design, cost, and mission performance.

The role will involve developing system-level models to quantify platform- and mission-level benefits and contribute directly to understanding the technology’s value proposition and route to market. Looking forward, this role will also explore the supply-chain integration for this technology and identify potential in-orbit demonstration opportunities, for example with partnering organisations in the emerging VLEO market segment.

By quantifying the value proposition for these new drag-reduction coatings, this project will provide a robust foundation for commercialisation of IP developed at the University of Manchester and will contribute to a promising and rapidly developing area within the space sector.

This role will be supported by the CASA Space Technologies team including the three co-founders: Dr Peter Roberts, Dr Nicholas Crisp, and Dr Steve Edmondson. Scope to engage external consultancy to support business model development and market assessment activities is also available within the project.

This role provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research and commercialisation in the growing UK space sector. It will suit a candidate interested in applying technical systems expertise in a commercially focused, collaborative project with real-world application.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Timothy Carew

Email: timothy.carew@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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