Optical SSA / Image Processing Engineer

Foundational; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EMI share options (UK employees)

25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Enhanced Parental Leave

Cycle to work schemes

Offices in central London, with snacks

Job summary

Foundational in London is seeking an Optical SSA / Image Processing Engineer to build the image processing that finds, tracks and measures objects in our camera data from satellite laser ranging stations.

You will develop pipelines for detection, streak extraction and astrometry, calibrate cameras and timing for accurate, traceable measurements, and build real-time processing to support closed-loop tracking while collaborating with optics and software teams.

Qualifications

• A degree in physics, astronomy, computer science or similar.
• Image processing and computer vision in Python or C++.
• Astrometry and photometry experience, e.g. with astropy or Source Extractor.
• Knowledge of camera sensors: noise, calibration and time-stamping.

Responsibilities

• Develop pipelines for detection, streak extraction and astrometry.
• Calibrate cameras and timing so measurements are accurate and traceable.
• Build real-time processing to support closed-loop tracking.
• Validate results against catalogue orbits and our own laser data.
• Work with the optics and software teams on camera selection and integration.

Skills

Image processing

Python

C++

Astrometry

Photometry

Astropy

Source Extractor

Camera sensors

Education

Physics

Astronomy

Computer Science

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

Optical SSA / Image Processing Engineer

This is a future role. We're building a shortlist now and will contact you when it opens.

About us

Foundational is building the most precise picture of Earth and orbit, using lasers fired from the ground. We call it ground truth for orbit.

We design and run low-cost, autonomous satellite laser ranging stations. They measure the distance to satellites with extreme precision, day and night. Our data platform turns those measurements into tracking data and orbit products for satellite operators, space agencies and governments. We also build our own flight-proven laser retroreflector arrays, so any satellite can be tracked.

Our station network is expanding across Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. The data supports resilient navigation, Earth observation and the safe, sustainable use of space.

We're a small, fast-moving team of engineers, scientists and operators in London. We're backed by venture investors and supported by ESA, the UK Space Agency, Innovate UK and the European Innovation Council.

Position Overview

London · Full time · On-site

As well as ranging with lasers, our stations track satellites optically. You'll build the image processing that finds, tracks and measures objects in our camera data.

What you'll do

• Develop pipelines for detection, streak extraction and astrometry
• Calibrate cameras and timing so that measurements are accurate and traceable
• Build real-time processing to support closed-loop tracking
• Validate results against catalogue orbits and our own laser data
• Work with the optics and software teams on camera selection and integration

What you'll bring

• A degree in physics, astronomy, computer science or similar
• Image processing and computer vision in Python or C++
• Astrometry and photometry experience, for example with astropy or Source Extractor
• Knowledge of camera sensors: noise, calibration and time-stamping

Nice to have

• Space situational awareness or satellite tracking
• GPU processing
• Machine learning for detection
• Amateur astronomy

What We Offer

• A high-impact role with real ownership at an early-stage, venture-backed spacetech company
• EMI share options (UK employees)
• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• Cycle to work schemes
• Work alongside engineers and scientists across optics, lasers, software and astrodynamics
• Offices in central London, with snacks, tea, coffee and regular socials

We actively champion underrepresented groups and seek to bridge gaps in our workforce.

Building the best team is our priority.