foundational · London ·
Designs the electronics behind Foundational's autonomous satellite laser ranging stations: PCBs for control and instrumentation, power distribution for remote sites, and sensor integration. Core stack includes KiCad/Altium, mixed-signal and power electronics, and embedded interfaces like SPI, I2C and Ethernet.
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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 design the electronics that run our stations. That covers control, power and sensing, plus the interfaces that tie lasers, detectors, telescopes and computers together.
What you'll do
Design, lay out and bring up PCBs for station control and instrumentation
Design power distribution, protection and backup for remote sites
Integrate sensors, interlocks and environmental monitoring
Choose components, and manage suppliers and contract manufacturers
Debug hardware in the lab and support fixes in the field
Write test procedures and documentation
What you'll bring
A degree in electronic engineering or similar, plus several years of design experience
Schematic capture and PCB layout skills (KiCad, Altium or similar)
Experience with mixed-signal design, power electronics and embedded interfaces (SPI, I2C, Ethernet)
Lab skills with oscilloscopes and logic analysers, plus thermal and EMC debugging
Nice to have
Fast timing electronics or photon counting
Firmware in C/C++, or FPGA work
EMC compliance testing
Hardware that runs unattended outdoors
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.
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