Senior Optical EngineerThis is a future role. We're building a shortlist now and will contact you when it opens.About usFoundational 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 OverviewLondon · Full time · On-sitePulsed lasers are the heart of satellite laser ranging. You'll own the laser subsystem in our stations: selection, integration and reliability, plus the supply chain behind it.What you'll doSpecify, select and qualify pulsed laser sources with suppliersIntegrate lasers into the station, including beam delivery, cooling, power, control and safety interlocksCharacterise laser performance, and build test rigs to track it over the station's lifeImprove reliability so lasers run unattended at remote sitesManage laser damage risk across the optical train with the optics teamSupport laser safety cases and documentation for each siteWhat you'll bringExperience working with short-pulse solid-state or fibre lasers, in industry or researchBeam characterisation skills: M², pulse width, energy and pointing stabilityLaser safety knowledge (IEC 60825 or equivalent)Confidence working with suppliers on specifications and failure investigationsNice to haveSatellite laser ranging or lidar experienceLaser-induced damage threshold testingHarmonic generationLasers deployed in the fieldWhat We OfferA high-impact role with real ownership at an early-stage, venture-backed spacetech companyEMI share options (UK employees)25 Days Annual Leave + Bank HolidaysEnhanced Parental LeaveCycle to work schemesWork alongside engineers and scientists across optics, lasers, software and astrodynamicsOffices in central London, with snacks, tea, coffee and regular socialsWe 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.Find Jobs in United Kingdom on Arbeitnow