At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead optical design for cutting-edge satellite laser ranging systems and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Innovative spacetech company focused on precise Earth and orbit measurements.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, EMI share options, 25 days annual leave, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment in central London with regular socials and snacks.
- Why this job: Join a fast-moving team and make a real impact in the space industry.
- Qualifications: Extensive optical engineering experience and strong skills in optical design software.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ 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 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 do
- Lead optical design for transmit and receive paths, from requirements and tolerancing through to verified hardware
- Design and test optics for tracking satellites in daylight and at night
- Support the design and test of retroreflector arrays for LEO and MEO missions
- Run trade studies with suppliers on telescopes, windows, coatings and filters
- Mentor graduate and junior engineers, and set our standards for optical design and test
- Write technical content for ESA and customer programmes
What you'll bring
- Extensive experience in optical engineering, ideally on astronomical, laser, defence or space instruments
- Strong skills in optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V or similar) and in tolerance analysis
- Hands-on alignment, metrology and test experience (interferometry, wavefront sensing, radiometry)
- A working knowledge of high-power laser optics: coatings, contamination and damage thresholds
- Clear technical writing for design reviews and bids
Nice to have
- Experience with satellite laser ranging, lidar, free-space optical comms or adaptive optics
- Stray light analysis
- Observatory or telescope experience
- ECSS or ESA project experience
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.
Senior Optical 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 Senior Optical Engineer in London
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Optical Engineer role you’re after at Lumi Space.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Lumi Space a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Lumi Space.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Optical Engineer at Lumi Space, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optical Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Optical Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Lumi Space a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Lumi Space specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lumi Space
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Lumi Space, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Lumi Space want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
