Astrodynamics Engineer
Role Overview
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
You’ll be a key contributor to our precision orbit determination platform, Origin. You’ll develop high accuracy, robust and reliable orbit determination and prediction software to provide the gold standard accuracy for orbit products.
What you'll do
Develop, test and improve automated precision orbit determination pipelines and other flight dynamics tooling for Foundational’s Origin platform
Develop improved force models, measurement corrections and spacecraft modelling
Build orbit prediction and ephemeris products
Testing, validation and monitoring of all data products
Produce high quality software for our platform
Work with customers on how they use orbit products
What you'll bring
At least 3 years of experience building flight dynamics software
Knowledge of Python
Experience with operational orbit determination and good knowledge of techniques
Experience working with modern software development practices (e.g. CI/CD pipelines, version control, docker)
Ability to write high quality code, knowledge of standard programming best practice (OOP, design patterns)
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Astrodynamics 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
You’ll be a key contributor to our precision orbit determination platform, Origin. You’ll develop high accuracy, robust and reliable orbit determination and prediction software to provide the gold standard accuracy for orbit products.
What you'll do
Develop, test and improve automated precision orbit determination pipelines and other flight dynamics tooling for Foundational’s Origin platform
Develop improved force models, measurement corrections and spacecraft modelling
Build orbit prediction and ephemeris products
Testing, validation and monitoring of all data products
Produce high quality software for our platform
Work with customers on how they use orbit products
What you'll bring
At least 3 years of experience building flight dynamics software
Knowledge of Python
Experience with operational orbit determination and good knowledge of techniques
Experience working with modern software development practices (e.g. CI/CD pipelines, version control, docker)
Ability to write high quality code, knowledge of standard programming best practice (OOP, design patterns)
Nice to have
- Experience with high precision OD
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (ideally AWS)
- Experience with Orekit
- Solid understanding of covariance/uncertainty realism, statistical techniques, etc
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.
Qualifications
- At least 3 years of experience building flight dynamics software
- Knowledge of Python
- Experience with operational orbit determination and good knowledge of techniques
- Experience working with modern software development practices (e.g. CI/CD pipelines, version control, docker)
- Ability to write high quality code, knowledge of standard programming best practice (OOP, design patterns)
Responsibilities
- Develop, test and improve automated precision orbit determination pipelines and other flight dynamics tooling for Foundational’s Origin platform
- Develop improved force models, measurement corrections and spacecraft modelling
- Build orbit prediction and ephemeris products
- Testing, validation and monitoring of all data products
- Produce high quality software for our platform
- Work with customers on how they use orbit products
About Foundational
London-based private space-tech company building ground-based laser systems for real-time orbital data and space traffic control.
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