Prototype Engineer — Space Optics (Flexible Hours)

Observable Space; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Observable Space, based in Los Angeles, seeks a Prototype Engineer to join our state-of-the-art prototyping facility. You will work day-to-day with the team to push unmanufacturable ideas into real parts, using a variety of fabrication tools and real-time design feedback.

This role requires hands-on experience in engineering prototyping shops, proficiency with SolidWorks and CAM software, and the ability to read drawings and GD&T.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in an engineering prototyping shop or machine shop.
• 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 materials and their machining characteristics.
• Comfortable with occasional non-standard hours, including 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 precision manual tools.
• Participate in engineering design reviews to evaluate manufacturability.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to iterate on part designs in real time.
• Help design novel machining processes for our Michigan production facility.
• Work from SolidWorks models and drawings to produce high-tolerance parts.
• Prepare CAM programs in Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar tools.
• Develop custom fixturing and one-off assemblies for rapid prototyping.
• Maintain, upgrade, and tune machines and shop infrastructure.
• Participate in design for manufacturability reviews and provide feedback to engineers.
• Occasionally assist with integration or test setups.

Skills

Hands-on prototyping

GD&T

Mechanical drawings interpretation

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Fusion 360

Job description

Observable Space, based in Los Angeles, seeks a Prototype Engineer to join our state-of-the-art prototyping facility. You will work day-to-day with the team to push unmanufacturable ideas into real parts, using a variety of fabrication tools and real-time design feedback.

This role requires hands-on experience in engineering prototyping shops, proficiency with SolidWorks and CAM software, and the ability to read drawings and GD&T.