At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop cutting-edge orbit determination software and improve precision measurement tools.
- Company: Innovative spacetech company focused on precise Earth and orbit data.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, EMI share options, 25 days leave, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a fast-moving team and make a real impact in the space industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in flight dynamics software, Python skills, and modern development practices.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
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 be a key contributor to our precision orbit determination platform, Origin. You’ll develop high accuracy, robust and reliable orbit determination and prediction software to provide the gold standard accuracy for orbit products.
What you'll do
- Develop, test and improve automated precision orbit determination pipelines and other flight dynamics tooling for Foundational’s Origin platform
- Develop improved force models, measurement corrections and spacecraft modelling
- Build orbit prediction and ephemeris products
- Testing, validation and monitoring of all data products
- Produce high quality software for our platform
- Work with customers on how they use orbit products
What you'll bring
- At least 3 years of experience building flight dynamics software
- Knowledge of Python
- Experience with operational orbit determination and good knowledge of techniques
- Experience working with modern software development practices (e.g. CI/CD pipelines, version control, docker)
- Ability to write high quality code, knowledge of standard programming best practice (OOP, design patterns)
Nice to have
- Experience with high precision OD
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (ideally AWS)
- Experience with Orekit
- Solid understanding of covariance/uncertainty realism, statistical techniques, etc.
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.
Astrodynamics Engineer in London employer: Foundational
Foundational is an exceptional employer for aspiring engineers, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology in London. With a collaborative and innovative work culture, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects while benefiting from hands-on experience and mentorship in a dynamic startup environment. The company prioritises personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of space systems engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Astrodynamics Engineer in London
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Foundational for a Astrodynamics Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Astrodynamics Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Foundational, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Foundational, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foundational
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Foundational.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Foundational. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Foundational love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
