At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain a cutting-edge data platform for satellite tracking.
- Company: Join a pioneering spacetech company transforming Earth observation.
- Benefits: Enjoy EMI share options, 25 days leave, and flexible working.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists in London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting world of space technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in backend systems, Python or Go, and cloud infrastructure.
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 build the platform that ingests, processes and serves our tracking data, all the way from station to customer API.
What you'll do
- Build ingest pipelines from our stations and from third‑party data sources
- Design data models and storage for high‑volume, time‑series scientific data
- Build and maintain customer APIs and data delivery in standard formats
- Make pipelines reliable, observable and secure, including for customers with strict data‑handling requirements
- Work closely with front‑end, geodesy and orbit determination engineers
What you'll bring
- Extensive experience building backend systems in production
- Strong Python (or Go or Rust) and SQL
- Experience with data pipelines, message queues and time‑series storage
- Cloud infrastructure and containers (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Care for testing, security and documentation
Nice to have
- Scientific or geospatial data
- Space data standards (CCSDS, CRD)
- Streaming platforms such as Kafka
- A background in space situational awareness
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.
Backend / Data Platform Engineer in London employer: Lumi Space
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the heart of the tech industry. As a Controls Engineer, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to developing cutting-edge control systems, with ample opportunities for professional growth and learning. Our inclusive work culture encourages creativity and supports diversity, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend / Data Platform Engineer in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Lumi Space or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Lumi Space.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Lumi Space.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Lumi Space that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Backend / Data Platform Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Lumi Space.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Lumi Space and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lumi Space
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Lumi Space uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
