Geodetic Data Scientist

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 turn large volumes of laser ranging data into geodetic and orbit products at scale. You'll build the pipelines, models and quality checks behind them.

What you'll do

• Build processing pipelines that take ranging data from raw returns to normal points and higher-level products

• Develop statistical methods for bias detection, outlier rejection and data quality

• Analyse station and network performance, and find where it can improve

• Work with our geodesy and orbit determination team to turn research into products

• Turn analysis into clear reports, plots and customer-facing metrics

What you'll bring

• A degree in geodesy, physics, maths, data science or similar (MSc or PhD preferred)

• Strong Python and the scientific stack (NumPy, pandas, SciPy)

• Solid statistics: estimation, time series and uncertainty

• Experience with large scientific datasets

• A habit of writing production code, not just notebooks

Nice to have

• SLR or GNSS data, including the CRD format

• Cloud data pipelines

• Machine learning for anomaly detection

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.