About this role
Senior Geodesist
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 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 Overview
London · Full time · On-site
You'll lead our geodesy work. That means making sure our ranging data meets the standards of the international geodetic community, and turning it into products that scientists and operators trust.
What you'll do
- Lead geodetic processing and analysis of our satellite laser ranging data
- Contribute to reference frame and Earth orientation products
- Define data quality standards, and validate our data against international analysis centres
- Represent Foundational in the ILRS, IAG and wider geodetic community
- Guide our data scientists and software engineers on models and algorithms
- Publish and present at conferences
What you'll bring
- A PhD or equivalent experience in space geodesy or a related field
- Deep knowledge of SLR and at least one other space-geodetic technique (GNSS, VLBI or DORIS)
- Experience with reference frames (ITRF), Earth orientation and IERS conventions
- Experience with geodetic analysis software such as GEODYN, Bernese or GipsyX
- A publication record or equivalent track record
Nice to have
- Experience at an ILRS analysis or data centre
- Gravity field modelling or precise orbit determination
- Python
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.