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Observable Space is a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms for Earth observation and in-space applications. The company serves NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force, and leading research institutions. Observable Space combines precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world-class products at scale with in-house manufacturing.
You will design, analyze, build, and support mechanical and optomechanical systems from concept through production and field deployment. You will independently own components and subsystems while working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams in optics, electrical engineering, software, manufacturing, and test.
This is a hands-on engineering position. Engineers at Observable Space remain actively involved with the hardware they design, including supporting prototype fabrication, working alongside technicians and manufacturing personnel, assembling and aligning systems, conducting tests, troubleshooting problems, and assisting with field installations.
Key responsibilities include: designing and optimizing mechanical and optomechanical components and subsystems (telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, optical benches, optical supports); developing detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials; applying sound design practices for manufacturability, assembly, testing, reliability, and serviceability; building, assembling, aligning, testing, and troubleshooting prototypes and production hardware; working directly with technicians, machinists, assemblers, suppliers, and other engineers to resolve design and manufacturing issues; performing engineering calculations and tolerance analyses; conducting or supporting FEA for stress, thermal, vibration, and environmental conditions; participating in structural-thermal-optical performance analyses and system-level verification; developing and using test fixtures, procedures, and instrumentation; participating in design reviews; collaborating with optics, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test teams; supporting fabrication, inspection, assembly, alignment, environmental testing, installation, and field deployment; investigating manufacturing, test, and field issues to determine root causes and implement corrective design changes; incorporating lessons learned into future designs and engineering standards; maintaining accurate technical documentation and configuration control; and managing assigned tasks, schedules, and technical risks with guidance from project and engineering leadership.
The role requires equal comfort working at a CAD workstation and working directly with hardware on the production floor, in the laboratory, or at an installation site.
Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, and Embedded Ventures.
BENEFITS: Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards and experience; equity opportunities with stock options; flexible work environment with hybrid setup (minimum 3 days per week in LA office); unlimited PTO for exempt employees; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of premiums paid by employer; access to cutting-edge hardware and software; mission-driven culture; inclusive and supportive workplace.
REQUIREMENTS:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical field
- 3+ years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace, optics, robotics, automation, precision equipment, or similar industries
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar)
- Experience creating production-ready engineering drawings and bills of materials
- Working knowledge of mechanical analysis methods (stress, thermal, tolerance, vibration analysis)
- Experience with FEA software (ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar)
- Knowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, machining, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly
- Understanding of design for manufacturability, assembly, and test
- Demonstrated hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, or supporting mechanical hardware
- Willingness and ability to work directly with prototypes and production equipment in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, written communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with telescope systems, astronomical instrumentation, optical equipment, or optomechanical systems
- Familiarity with optical mounts, flexures, precision mechanisms, alignment methods, and alignment tooling
- Experience with thermal design for outdoor, aerospace, or space environments
- Familiarity with athermal design principles and structural-thermal-optical performance analysis
- Experience with tolerance stack-ups, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and precision mechanical assemblies
- Familiarity with engineering requirements, interface control documents, verification planning, and design reviews
- Basic scripting or automation experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
- Experience working within ISO 9001, AS9100, or comparable quality systems
- Experience coordinating with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and component suppliers
- Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock, ingress-protection)
- Experience supporting field installations, commissioning, or servicing complex equipment
