foundational

Electro-Optical Engineer (Space Systems)

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Electro-Optical Engineer (Space Systems)

We are Foundational.

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.

We are developing next-generation technologies for Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Our products combine advanced optics, photonics, electronics, and space systems engineering to create novel capabilities for tracking and characterising objects in orbit.

As a growing startup, we work on technically challenging problems and rapidly transform new ideas into operational products.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to lead the development of optical and photonic subsystems that form the core of our SLR and SSA products. The role will primarily be focused on space hardware but may also feature work on the ground segment of the system as required.

This role is focused on the design, development, integration, and testing of laser-based and optical sensing systems, with particular emphasis on electronics, optical architectures, and instrument performance.

You will take responsibility for projects from early concept development through detailed design, laboratory validation, qualification, and deployment. The role requires a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable modelling an optical system, designing supporting electronics, and troubleshooting hardware in the lab.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop optical and electro-optical subsystems for satellite laser ranging and space situational awareness applications.

  • Develop optical architectures incorporating lasers, detectors, filters, lenses, mirrors, retroreflectors, and associated opto-mechanical assemblies.

  • Support design and specification of supporting analogue and mixed-signal electronics for detector readout, timing, control, and data acquisition.

  • Perform optical performance modelling, signal-to-noise analysis, stray light analysis, and error budgeting.

  • Define subsystem requirements and verification approaches.

  • Lead laboratory integration, alignment, characterisation, and performance testing activities.

  • Support environmental testing and qualification activities for space hardware.

  • Work closely with systems, software, and mechanical engineers to deliver integrated products.

  • Contribute to the development of new sensing concepts and product opportunities within the SSA domain.

Required Qualifications

Please note that even if not all of these are met, candidates with the right mindset are still encouraged to apply. This includes being keen to work in a start up, lead your own projects, and owning development of a product from concept to qualification.

  • Several years of experience developing electro-optical or photonic systems from concept through testing and validation.

  • Strong understanding of optical system design and performance analysis.

  • Experience working with lasers, photodetectors, imaging sensors, or precision optical instrumentation.

  • Experience designing and testing analogue or mixed-signal electronics associated with optical systems.

  • Strong laboratory skills, including optical alignment, system integration, and troubleshooting.

  • Ability to independently own technical work packages and drive them to completion.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience working with flight hardware and/or qualifying flight hardware for space applications

  • Degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Photonics, or a related discipline.

  • Experience with laser ranging, lidar, optical communications, remote sensing, astronomy instrumentation, or precision metrology systems.

  • Familiarity with single-photon detectors, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), SPADs, PMTs, or time-correlated measurement systems.

  • Experience with optical design and modelling tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent.

  • Understanding of timing systems, precision measurement electronics, and low-noise signal acquisition.

  • Experience with environmental qualification and reliability testing.

  • Familiarity with ECSS, ESA, or other space-industry engineering standards.

What We Offer

  • Develop novel technologies at the forefront of Satellite Laser Ranging and Space Situational Awareness.

  • Own critical electro-optical subsystems from concept to deployment.

  • Work in a highly technical, multidisciplinary team.

  • Influence product direction and technology strategy in a rapidly growing company.

  • EMI options in a fast-growing VC backed startup in the spacetech industry

  • Generous compensation and pension contributions

  • Offices in central London right in the heart of Borough and London Bridge with snacks, tea, coffee and regular socials.