About the role
Field Station 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 continents. 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, and Innovate UK.
Position Overview
London · Full time · On-site
You'll install, commission and maintain our laser ranging stations at remote sites across Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. You'll turn crates of hardware into a working station, then keep it running.
What you'll do
- Install and commission stations: telescope, laser, enclosure, power and network
- Diagnose and fix faults, both on site and remotely
- Carry out preventive maintenance and upgrades across the network
- Work with host-site staff and local contractors
- Feed lessons from the field back into design and procedures
- Write clear site reports and installation documentation
What you'll bring
- Field engineering experience with complex electro-mechanical or optical systems
- Comfort with electrical, mechanical and networking work
- Willingness to travel for weeks at a time, often to remote sites
- A resourceful, calm and safety-minded approach when working alone
- A full driving licence and a valid passport
Nice to have
- Observatory, telescope or lidar experience
- Laser safety training
- Spanish speaking
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.