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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 join as a Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural analysis, thermal analysis, and component optimization. This is a hands-on role where you will independently own the analysis of mechanical and optomechanical components and subsystems while collaborating with senior engineers and cross-functional teams across design, optics, electrical engineering, software, manufacturing, and test.
Key responsibilities include:
- Perform finite element analysis (FEA) for stress, thermal, vibration, and environmental conditions on mechanical and optomechanical components including telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, optical benches, and optical supports
- Develop detailed finite element models from 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
- Provide design optimization feedback to engineering teams
- Lead and design structural test campaigns to verify analysis and evaluate design assumptions
- Participate in structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analyses and system-level verification
- Develop test fixtures, procedures, and instrumentation for component and subsystem verification
- Participate in design reviews and communicate analysis results, risks, and recommendations
- Collaborate across optics, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test teams for system integration
- Support fabrication, inspection, assembly, alignment, environmental testing, installation, and field deployment
- Investigate manufacturing, test, and field issues; determine root causes; implement corrective design changes
- Incorporate lessons learned into future designs and engineering standards
- Maintain technical documentation and support configuration control throughout the product lifecycle
- Manage assigned tasks, schedules, and technical risks with guidance from leadership
This position requires equal comfort at a CAD/FEA workstation and working directly with hardware on the production floor, in the laboratory, or at installation sites. You will support prototype fabrication, work alongside technicians and manufacturing personnel, assemble and align systems, conduct tests, troubleshoot problems, and assist with field installations.
The role is hybrid with a minimum of 3 days per week required in the Los Angeles office to support collaboration and team culture.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree 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)
- Working knowledge of mechanical analysis methods including stress, thermal, tolerance, and vibration analysis
- Experience with analysis software such as ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar
- Knowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, machining, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly
- 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 thermal analysis; use of Thermal Desktop strongly preferred
- 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 structural analysis for automotive or aerospace environments
- Experience with automotive and/or aerospace test campaigns and appropriate application of standards
- 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
