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-siteYou'll own optical design across our laser ranging stations, optical tracking systems and retroreflector products. This is a hands-on senior role. You'll set the architecture, run the analysis and be in the lab when it's built.What you'll doLead optical design for transmit and receive paths, from requirements and tolerancing through to verified hardwareDesign and test optics for tracking satellites in daylight and at nightSupport the design and test of retroreflector arrays for LEO and MEO missionsRun trade studies with suppliers on telescopes, windows, coatings and filtersMentor graduate and junior engineers, and set our standards for optical design and testWrite technical content for ESA and customer programmesWhat you'll bringExtensive experience in optical engineering, ideally on astronomical, laser, defence or space instrumentsStrong skills in optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V or similar) and in tolerance analysisHands-on alignment, metrology and test experience (interferometry, wavefront sensing, radiometry)A working knowledge of high-power laser optics: coatings, contamination and damage thresholdsClear technical writing for design reviews and bidsNice to haveExperience with satellite laser ranging, lidar, free-space optical comms or adaptive opticsStray light analysisObservatory or telescope experienceECSS or ESA project experienceWhat 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 more English Speaking Jobs in United Kingdom on Arbeitnow