Prototype Engineer

Observable Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Impactful hardware

Space tech environment

Job summary

Observable Space, based in Los Angeles, seeks a Prototype Engineer to join our state-of-the-art prototyping facility. You will machine challenging materials from glass to exotic metals, with a highly flexible schedule and on-call responsibilities for urgent parts.

The role requires 5+ years in a prototyping environment, proficiency with SolidWorks, CAM software (Mastercam/Fusion CAM), and hands-on CNC experience. Expect non-standard hours and close collaboration with engineers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering prototyping shop or machine shop environment.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks (or similar CAD tools).
• Significant experience with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion CAM.
• Proficient with modern CNC machine operations and part inspection.
• Ability to interpret and execute mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Familiarity with common materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, plastics, etc.) and their machining characteristics.
• Comfortable with occasional non-standard hours, including occasional late-night or weekend requests.

Responsibilities

• Operate a wide range of fabrication tools including: 3D printers, 5-axis CNC mills and lathes, tube and flat-bed lasers, waterjets, wire EDM, and high-precision manual tools.
• Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.
• Help design novel machining processes and methodologies that will be used in our Michigan production facility.
• Work from SolidWorks models and technical drawings to produce high-tolerance parts.
• Prepare CAM programs in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar tools.
• Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping.
• Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure.
• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews and provide direct feedback to engineers.
• Occasionally assist with integration or test setups when needed.

Skills

Hands-on prototyping

Mechanical intuition

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Fusion 360

CNC machine operation

Job description

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly

Clearance: Not required, but must be a U.S. Person

About Us

At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.

About the Role

We are seeking a Prototype Engineer to join our Los Angeles-based state-of-the-art prototyping facility. We’re building a state of the art prototyping facility to machine some of the world's most challenging materials from glass, titanium, to exotic wire EDM’d parts; this is not a standard machine shop position.

This role is ideal for a highly adaptable, technically-minded individual who thrives in fast-paced environments. We’re looking for someone to sit with the team day in and day out to help push back on the team’s wild unmanufacturable designs. While this is a full time position, the job has an on-call component - when a part is urgently needed, day or night, you may be the one called to make it. On the flip side, your day-to-day schedule is extremely flexible, and you'll often have lighter periods or ad-hoc time off when the schedule allows.

What You’ll Do

• Operate a wide range of fabrication tools including:

  • 3D printers

  • 5-axis CNC mills and lathes

  • Tube and flat-bed lasers

  • Waterjets, wire EDM, and high-precision manual tools

• Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.

• Help design novel machining processes and methodologies that will be used in our Michigan production facility

• Work from SolidWorks models and technical drawings to produce high-tolerance parts.

• Prepare CAM programs in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar tools.

• Help develop custom fixturing, jigs, and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping.

• Assist in maintaining, upgrading, and tuning machines and shop infrastructure.

• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews and provide direct feedback to engineers.

• Occasionally assist with integration or test setups when needed.
  

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering prototyping shop or machine shop environment.

• Working knowledge of SolidWorks (or similar CAD tools).

• Significant experience with CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion CAM.

• Proficient with modern CNC machine operations and part inspection.

• Ability to interpret and execute mechanical drawings and GD&T.

• Familiarity with common materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, plastics, etc.) and their machining characteristics.

• Comfortable with occasional non-standard hours, including occasional late-night or weekend requests.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with light duty fabrication - TIG welding, laser cell operation, slip rolling, fixturing and fit-up. “A grinder and paint make me the welder I aint” is our moto in a prototype environment

• Experience designing test fixturing and metrology

• Willing to shoot paint - grab the hvlp and step into the booth. Doesn\'t have to be pretty, just can\'t be boogers.

• Deep knowledge of multi-axis milling, fixturing, and workholding strategies.

• Experience building parts for aerospace, robotics, or optics applications.

• Familiarity with vacuum-compatible fabrication.

What We Offer

• Build out a team of R&D specialists.

• High-trust, flexible scheduling.

• Direct impact on rapid iteration of hardware bound for space, field ops, or high-performance systems.

• A culture that respects craftsmanship, iteration speed, and creative autonomy.