Mechatronics Engineer

We are Foundational.

Foundational is an early-stage, mission-driven startup solving one of the hardest engineering challenges of the decade: creating an exquisite, real-time understanding of Earth and orbit using ground-based lasers.

We aren't just gathering data; we are building the platform that will enable the next generation of space traffic control, resilient navigation, and Earth observation. - essential for the sustainability and resilience of the space domain, monitoring our climate and empowering the future economy.

This mission, this technology... will be foundational to the future of civilization.

The role

We are looking for a hands-on Mechatronics Engineer to take technical ownership of the design, build, and integration of autonomous ground-based systems operating in challenging real-world environments.

This is not a narrow role. You will be deeply involved from early-stage concept through to deployed hardware in the field - designing control architectures, assembling and wiring systems, writing software that talks directly to hardware, and making everything work reliably as a complete system.

You will work at the intersection of robotics, automation, opto-mechanical systems, and industrial control, helping to turn complex subsystems into operational, high-reliability platforms.

If you enjoy getting hands-on, owning systems end-to-end, and solving problems that do not come with a textbook answer, this role is likely to suit you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Own the design, build, and integration of mechatronic subsystems and complete platforms

• Design and implement control systems spanning PLCs, embedded controllers, and higher-level software

• Write control and integration software in Python, C++, and PLC languages

• Build and wire low-voltage electrical systems, including power, control, and networking

• Lead on-site assembly, commissioning, and debugging of deployed systems

• Define and manage ICDs between mechanical, electrical, optical, and software subsystems

• Develop and improve lab processes, test procedures, and integration workflows

• Work closely with software, optics, and mechanical engineers to deliver coherent systems

• Support field deployments and upgrades at operational ground station sites

• Contribute to system-level architecture decisions for autonomous, high-reliability operation

Our Ideal Candidate (The Must-Haves)

• ~5+ years working in mechatronics, robotics, automation, or industrial systems

• Proven experience building physical systems, not just designing them

• Strong hands-on skills in electrical assembly, wiring, and system integration

• Experience with control systems software (Python, C++, PLCs)

• Comfortable working across mechanical, electrical, and software boundaries

• Experience with autonomous or high-reliability systems in real-world environments

• Able to work primarily in person and take ownership of hardware build activities

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

• Background in automotive, industrial automation, robotics, or astronomy.

• Experience with embedded systems.

• Exposure to computer vision or sensor fusion.

• Experience commissioning systems outside the lab (factories, observatories, field sites).

• Enjoys tinkering, building, and iterating rapidly on real hardware.

How you will work

• High level of technical ownership - you are trusted to make systems work.

• Small, multidisciplinary team with minimal bureaucracy.

• Direct impact on deployed systems used operationally.

• A mix of design, hands-on build, software development, and field work.

• Space to shape processes, architectures, and technical direction as the company grows building a product from zero-to-one and shaping the future of the space and geospatial industries from the foundations.

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.