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Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
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 · On-site
This is an apprenticeship building space hardware. You'll learn mechanical, electrical and optical assembly alongside our engineers, and work towards a recognised engineering qualification.
What you'll do
Learn machining, assembly and wiring in our workshop
Help build and test real station hardware
Rotate through mechanical, electrical and optical work
Study with a college or training provider alongside your job
What you'll bring
Curiosity about how things work, and enjoyment of practical work
GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English; science helps
Care, reliability and a willingness to ask questions
No previous experience needed
Nice to have
Hobby projects: electronics, bikes, cars, 3D printing, telescopes, anything you've built or fixed
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.