Satellite Laser Ranging Engineer

We're an early-stage, mission-driven startup tackling one of the most exciting and complex challenges today to create the most precise understanding of space and earth using ground-based lasers. Using satellite laser ranging (SLR) data we are empowering the next generation of space companies with exquisite data that allows new forms of resilient navigation, earth observation and precise space traffic control - essential for the sustainability and resilience of the space domain. If you want to help build hardware that interacts with objects moving at 7km/s this is the role for you. The Role As our core expert in optical tracking, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of our SLR and Space Debris Laser Ranging (SDLR) systems. You will bridge the gap between optical design, hardware integration, and the software algorithms required to close the link budget. What You'll Be Doing System Modelling & Simulation: creating comprehensive models for SLR and SDLR performance, including radiometric link budgets, atmospheric transmission, and detector probability of detection. R&D of Novel Systems: Leading the design and integration of next-gen laser ranging architectures, selecting components (pulsed lasers, single-photon detectors, optics), and overseeing the assembly of optical benches. Advanced Data Processing: Developing novel algorithms to process raw time-of-flight data, filtering noise from background photons, and refining orbital determination accuracy. Deployment & Validation: managing the installation of optical ground stations and conducting rigorous Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate ranging precision and pointing accuracy. Laser Safety Leadership: Acting as a subject matter expert for laser safety, performing risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with UK/EU standards (e.g., BS EN 60825) for outdoor laser propagation. Essential Experience: Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience designing, building, or operating SLR stations, Optical Ground Stations (OGS), or atmospheric LiDAR systems. Atmospheric Physics: A strong understanding of laser beam propagation through turbulent media, including beam wander, scintillation, and the use of link budgets to predict system return rates. Signal Processing: Proficiency in signal processing techniques specific to LiDAR/SLR (e.g., constant fraction discriminators, range gate optimization, and noise filtering algorithms). Timing Systems: Hands-on experience with high-precision timing hardware (Event Timers, GNSS synchronization, PTP/NTP protocols) and an understanding of jitter/latency sources. Software Stack: Strong proficiency in Python for instrument control (drivers, serial comms) and data analysis (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas). Experience with Linux environments is mandatory. Astronomy Hardware: Familiarity with telescope mounts (equatorial/Alt-Az), star tracking, and pointing models. Work Status: Must have the right to work in the UK. Proactive & Self-Motivated: You thrive in a startup environment where requirements evolve, and you are comfortable working with autonomy. Bonus Points (We'd love it if you...) Experience with FPGA programming for timing applications. Familiarity with orbital mechanics (TLEs, CPF/CRD formats). Experience with optical design software (Zemax or Code V). Why Join Us? A high-impact role with genuine ownership and autonomy in a new startup Government backed EMI scheme options in a fast-growing VC backed startup operating in stealth. Dynamic and collaborative work environment: We foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and teamwork. Make a real impact: Your contributions will directly shape our product and company success. Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology: Use your skills on meaningful, challenging and complex projects.