Senior Mechanical Engineer

Observable Space; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity opportunities

Flexible work environment

Unlimited PTO

Health & wellness benefits

Job summary

Observable Space is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design precision mechanical and optomechanical systems for telescopes and related equipment. You will collaborate with optical, electrical, and software engineers to deliver observatory-grade hardware for ground-based and future space deployment.

Requirements include a bachelor’s in mechanical or aerospace engineering, 5+ years in a related field, and strong CAD/FEA skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience designing precision mechanical and optomechanical systems for telescopes or related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize mechanical and optomechanical components such as telescope tubes, mounts, enclosures, and supports.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Perform FEA simulations for stress, thermal, and vibrational environments.
• Collaborate with optics and software teams to ensure mechanical compatibility with imaging and tracking subsystems.
• Support full product lifecycle from concept through testing and production.
• Participate in design reviews (PDR/CDR) and document results.
• Provide engineering support during fabrication, QC, assembly, and validation.

Skills

Mechanical design

Optomechanical systems

3D CAD modeling

FEA simulations

Cross-functional collaboration

Product lifecycle support

Design reviews (PDR/CDR)

Fabrication & assembly support

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

ANSYS/Nastran

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, CA

About Observable Space

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 highly-motivated and experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll design precision mechanical and optomechanical systems for telescopes and related equipment. You’ll work with a multidisciplinary team of optical, electrical, and software engineers to deliver observatory-grade systems for ground-based and potential future space-based deployment.

What You'll Bring

• Design and optimize mechanical and optomechanical components (e.g., telescope tubes, mounts, enclosures, optical supports).
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Conduct FEA simulations for stress, thermal, and vibrational environments.
• Collaborate with optics and software teams to ensure mechanical compatibility with imaging, tracking, and sensing subsystems.
• Support the full product lifecycle, from concept design and prototyping to testing and production.
• Participate in and contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) and internal documentation.
• Provide engineering support during fabrication, QC, assembly, and system validation.

What You'll Do

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years in a Mechanical Engineering role in Aerospace, Automotive, or a related industry.
• Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, or similar).
• Understanding of FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, etc.), tolerance analysis, and DFM principles.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication, machining, welding, drilling, and/or mechanical assembly.
• Effective communicator and collaborator.
• Demonstrated passion for aerospace or observational technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Grasp of materials, fasteners, coatings, and alignment techniques.
• Understanding of system engineering workflows, interface control documents, and verification processes.
• Basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for design or test workflows.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.
• Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.
• Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)
• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.
• Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.
• Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.
• Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Be part of a mission-driven company helping shape the future of space infrastructure
• The opportunity to build and scale a global managed services organization from the ground up
• A collaborative culture that rewards initiative, curiosity, and results
• Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits