Opto-mechanical Engineer

Opto-mechanical Engineer This 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 design the structures that hold our optics still and aligned while stations run unattended in remote, harsh environments.What you'll doDesign mounts, benches and enclosures for telescope-mounted and bench opticsOwn alignment concepts, and the fixtures and procedures used to set alignmentRun thermal and structural analysis on optical assemblies, and feed the results into tolerancesDesign for manufacture, assembly and field servicingWork with the workshop and suppliers from drawing to finished partWhat you'll bringExperience in opto-mechanical designCAD skills (SolidWorks, Onshape or similar), plus GD&T and drawing standardsThermal and structural FEA experienceHands-on build and alignment experienceNice to haveTelescope or observatory hardwareEnvironmental testingOutdoor enclosures and weather sealingSpace or defence programmesWhat 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 socialsWe 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.