Satellite Laser Ranging Engineer

Foundational; London; On-site; NOK 888,000 - 1,396,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundational is seeking a core expert in optical tracking to own the full lifecycle of SLR and SDLR systems. You will bridge optical design, hardware integration, and software algorithms to close the link budget and improve ranging precision.

You will lead system modelling, R&D of new architectures, and advanced data processing, with responsibility for deployment, validation, and laser safety oversight in a startup environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing, building, or operating SLR/OGS or atmospheric LiDAR systems.
• Strong understanding of laser propagation through turbulent media and link budgets.
• Experience with LiDAR/SLR signal processing techniques and timing hardware.
• Hands-on experience with high-precision timing (Event Timers, GNSS, PTP/NTP).
• Proficiency in Python for instrument control and data analysis; Linux is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• System modelling and simulation for SLR/SDLR performance including radiometric budgets and detector probability of detection.
• R&D of new laser ranging architectures and integration of components.
• Develop algorithms to process raw time-of-flight data and refine orbital determination.

Skills

SLR/SDLR expertise

Atmospheric physics

Signal processing

Timing systems

Python

Linux

Autonomy in startups

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FPGA programming

Job description

We are Foundational.

Foundational is an early-stage, mission-driven startup solving one of the hardest engineering challenges of the decade: creating an exquisite, real-time understanding of Earth and orbit using ground-based lasers.

We aren't just gathering data; we are building the platform that will enable the next generation of space traffic control, resilient navigation, and Earth observation. - essential for the sustainability and resilience of the space domain, monitoring our climate and empowering the future economy.

This mission, this technology... will be foundational to the future of civilization.

The Role

As our core expert in optical tracking, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of our SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) and Space Debris Laser Ranging (SDLR) systems. You will bridge the gap between optical design, hardware integration, and the software algorithms required to close the link budget.

What You'll Be Doing

• System Modelling & Simulation: creating comprehensive models for SLR and SDLR performance, including radiometric link budgets, atmospheric transmission, and detector probability of detection.

• R&D of Novel Systems: Leading the design and integration of next-gen laser ranging architectures, selecting components (pulsed lasers, single-photon detectors, optics), and overseeing the assembly of optical benches.

• Advanced Data Processing: Developing novel algorithms to process raw time-of-flight data, filtering noise from background photons, and refining orbital determination accuracy.

• Deployment & Validation: managing the installation of optical ground stations and conducting rigorous Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate ranging precision and pointing accuracy.

• Laser Safety Leadership: Acting as a subject matter expert for laser safety, performing risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with UK/EU standards (e.g., BS EN 60825) for outdoor laser propagation.

Essential Experience

• Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience designing, building, or operating SLR stations, Optical Ground Stations (OGS), or atmospheric LiDAR systems.

• Atmospheric Physics: A strong understanding of laser beam propagation through turbulent media, including beam wander, scintillation, and the use of link budgets to predict system return rates.

• Signal Processing: Proficiency in signal processing techniques specific to LiDAR/SLR (e.g., constant fraction discriminators, range gate optimization, and noise filtering algorithms).

• Timing Systems: Hands-on experience with high-precision timing hardware (Event Timers, GNSS synchronization, PTP/NTP protocols) and an understanding of jitter/latency sources.

• Software Stack: Strong proficiency in Python for instrument control (drivers, serial comms) and data analysis (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas). Experience with Linux environments is mandatory.

• Astronomy Hardware: Familiarity with telescope mounts (equatorial/Alt-Az), star tracking, and pointing models.

• Work Status: Must have the right to work in the UK.

• Proactive & Self-Motivated: You thrive in a startup environment where requirements evolve, and you are comfortable working with autonomy.

Bonus Points (We'd love it if you...)

• Experience with FPGA programming for timing applications.

• Familiarity with orbital mechanics (TLEs, CPF/CRD formats).

• Experience with optical design software (Zemax or Code V).

Why Join Us?

• A high-impact role with genuine ownership and autonomy in a new startup

• Government backed EMI scheme options in a fast-growing VC backed startup operating in stealth.

• Dynamic and collaborative work environment: We foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and teamwork.

• Make a real impact: Your contributions will directly shape our product and company success.

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology: Use your skills on meaningful, challenging and complex projects.