Full Stack Software Engineer

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 continents. 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, and Innovate UK.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Designing, developing, and deploying scalable and robust SaaS applications using Python, React and modern AWS cloud services.

• Building and maintaining both the frontend and backend of our core product, ensuring seamless user experiences and high performance.

• Implementing DevOps practices to streamline development workflows, automate deployments, and ensure continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD).

• Collaborating closely with the product team to translate user needs and business requirements into innovative and user-friendly features.

• Writing clean, maintainable, and well-documented code, adhering to best practices and industry standards.

• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, ensuring the smooth operation of our platform.

• Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in web development, DevOps, and the space industry.

• Growing with us! As an early team member, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of the development process and make a real impact on our product and company culture.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Full Stack Developer, with a strong portfolio showcasing your skills in both frontend and backend development.

• Solid understanding of DevOps principles and experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

• Proficiency in front end e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js and frameworks such as e.g., Node.js or FastAPI.

• Experience with databases such as MongoDB and MySQL.

• Familiarity with API design and development, including serverless technologies, e.g. AWS ECS/API Gateway/Lambda.

• A passion for space technology and a genuine interest in the space sector (desirable, but not essential).

• A proactive, problem-solving attitude and a desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• The ability to work independently and take ownership of your projects.

• A strong desire to make a tangible difference and help build something extraordinary.

Bonus Points (We'd love it if you have...)

• Experience with containerisation technologies, e.g. Docker, Kubernetes.

• Contributions to open-source projects.

• Familiarity with space situational awareness, space domain awareness or other ground-based space sensors (optical, RF, etc.)

What We Offer

• A high-impact role with genuine ownership and autonomy.

• EMI options in a fast-growing VC backed startup in the spacetech industry

• Generous compensation and pension contributions

• Offices in central London right in the heart of Borough and London Bridge with snacks, tea, coffee and regular socials.