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Observable Space is a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms for Earth observation and in-space applications. Their systems are used by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force, and leading research institutions. The company combines precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer APIs into world-class products with in-house manufacturing.
As a Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in Photonics, you will design, integrate, and validate photonic and electro-optical systems across the full product line, from ground-based telescopes to on-orbit optical payloads. This role sits at the intersection of electronics, optics, and physics, requiring you to own electrical design and integration of optical sensors, detectors, laser-based systems, and high-speed signal chains while ensuring performance through thermal extremes, vacuum, radiation, and long-duration autonomous operation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and develop electrical systems for photonic and electro-optical subsystems, including detectors, sensors, laser interfaces, and high-speed data acquisition chains
- Own schematic capture, PCB design, and bring-up for low-noise analog and mixed-signal circuits supporting optical instrumentation
- Develop and optimize signal chains for photodetectors (CMOS, CCD, APD, SPAD), including amplification, filtering, digitization, and noise mitigation
- Design for signal integrity and low-noise performance in high-sensitivity optical systems
- Bring up and validate high-speed interfaces such as MIPI, LVDS, JESD, or similar data links
- Collaborate with optical engineers to define electrical interfaces and performance requirements
- Support integration and test of electro-optical systems, including lab characterization and debugging
- Develop and execute validation and qualification plans for hardware operating in harsh environments
- Select components and materials compatible with space and high-reliability applications
- Contribute to system architecture decisions balancing performance, power, bandwidth, and reliability
- Participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability, testability, and long-term serviceability
The role offers a hybrid work environment with a minimum of 3 days per week in the LA office, unlimited PTO, comprehensive health coverage, equity opportunities, and access to cutting-edge tools.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
- 5+ years of experience in electrical engineering with focus on photonics, electro-optical systems, or high-performance sensor design
- Strong proficiency in analog and mixed-signal circuit design, particularly for low-noise and high-speed applications
- Experience designing and debugging PCBs, including schematic capture, layout collaboration, and board bring-up
- Hands-on experience with photodetectors, imaging sensors, or optical instrumentation and their signal chains
- Familiarity with high-speed interfaces and data acquisition systems used in imaging or sensing applications
- Strong understanding of signal integrity, noise analysis, grounding, shielding, and power distribution
- Experience using lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, debug at the electrical level, and work with cross-functional teams
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, iterative hardware environments with rapid design-build-test cycles
- Strong product mindset with emphasis on reliability, robustness, and performance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with space-based or aerospace electro-optical systems, including radiation-aware design
- Familiarity with laser systems, optical communications, or lidar technologies
- Experience with FPGA-based data acquisition or high-throughput signal processing pipelines
- Experience with camera systems, image sensors, and end-to-end imaging pipelines
- Exposure to optomechanical integration and alignment-sensitive system design
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or automated lab infrastructure
- Background in astronomy, astrophysics, or scientific instrumentation
- Passion for building systems that expand understanding of space and the physical world
