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. If you're excited by the role but don't match every point, or you’re seeking a part time role, please apply anyway and add a note into your application. Building the best team is our priority.
Skills Required
- Degree in physics, astronomy, computer science, or a similar field
- Image processing and computer vision experience using Python or C++
- Astrometry and photometry experience, such as with astropy or Source Extractor
- Knowledge of camera sensors, including noise, calibration, and time-stamping
- Space situational awareness or satellite tracking experience
- GPU processing experience
- Machine learning experience for detection
- Amateur astronomy experience
What We Do
We're an early-stage, mission-driven startup tackling one of the most exciting and complex challenges today to create the most precise understanding of space and earth using ground-based lasers. Using satellite laser ranging (SLR) data we are empowering the next generation of space companies with exquisite data that allows new forms of resilient navigation, earth observation and precise space traffic control - essential for the sustainability and resilience of the space domain, resilient navigation an the future of earth observation.
