Backend / Data Platform Engineer

Backend / Data Platform EngineerThis is a future role. We're building a shortlist now and will contact you when it opens.About usFoundational 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 OverviewLondon · Full time · On-siteYou'll build the platform that ingests, processes and serves our tracking data, all the way from station to customer API.What you'll doBuild ingest pipelines from our stations and from third-party data sourcesDesign data models and storage for high-volume, time-series scientific dataBuild and maintain customer APIs and data delivery in standard formatsMake pipelines reliable, observable and secure, including for customers with strict data-handling requirementsWork closely with front-end, geodesy and orbit determination engineersWhat you'll bringExtensive experience building backend systems in productionStrong Python (or Go or Rust) and SQLExperience with data pipelines, message queues and time-series storageCloud infrastructure and containers (Docker, Kubernetes)Care for testing, security and documentationNice to haveScientific or geospatial dataSpace data standards (CCSDS, CRD)Streaming platforms such as KafkaA background in space situational awarenessWhat We OfferA high-impact role with real ownership at an early-stage, venture-backed spacetech companyEMI share options (UK employees)25 Days Annual Leave + Bank HolidaysEnhanced Parental LeaveCycle to work schemesWork alongside engineers and scientists across optics, lasers, software and astrodynamicsOffices in central London, with snacks, tea, coffee and regular socialWe 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.