Orbital Analyst
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
You’ll be the operationally responsive member of the Astrodynamics team. You’ll take on a wide range of tasks, from producing analysis to demonstrate Foundational’s world leading capabilities, through customer facing discussions with the business development team to supporting customers with operational issues or special requirements. Expect to also be a key point of contact for our ground station teams to help ensure smooth functioning of our tracking network.
Key Responsibilities
Monitor Foundational’s orbit determination and prediction pipelines, identifying failure cases and areas for improvement
Produce white papers, conference papers, and marketing materials demonstrating accuracy provided by SLR data
Work closely with potential and existing customers to understand needs, and ensure they get the most from Foundational’s product offering
Perform operational support for customers where necessary
Support and supervise SLR tracking operations
Required
Operational experience working with spacecraft tracking data and orbit determination/prediction
Ability to communicate with non specialists about astrodynamics, orbit determination, etc
Willingness to engage with existing and potential customers to provide support
Able to apply rigorous analysis to problems/datasets in astrodynamics
Experience with Python, ability to build tooling to conduct analysis
Nice to have
Prior experience working with Business Development teams/in a sales environment
Good overall understanding of the space sector
Experience writing proposals
What We Offer
A high-impact role with real ownership at an early-stage, venture-backed spacetech company
EMI share options (UK employees)
Cycle to work scheme
Enhanced parental leave
Work alongside engineers and scientists across optics, lasers, software and astrodynamics
Offices in central London with snacks, tea, coffee and regular socials
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