Sr. Optomechanical Engineer, Laser Communications

Observable Space; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Equity opportunities

Flexible work environment

Health, dental, vision coverage

Job summary

Observable Space designs, builds, and tests precision optomechanical hardware for ground-based laser communication systems and future space-based optical payloads. You will contribute across fiber coupling, beam steering, and optical sensing, collaborating with optical, electrical, and software engineers to move hardware from concept to production.

The role emphasizes hands-on assembly, alignment, testing, and troubleshooting of complex optical systems, with a path toward manufacturability and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in optomechanical engineering or precision mechanical design involving optical hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or NX, with strong fundamentals in precision tolerancing and mechanical design.
• Hands-on experience building, aligning, and troubleshooting precision assemblies, with a working knowledge of machining and fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and build precision optical assemblies, including fiber-coupling hardware, optical benches, flexures, and kinematic mounts.
• Develop and validate complex optomechanical hardware including laser systems, fast steering mirrors, actuators, advanced sensors for pointing and adaptive optics controls.
• Develop tolerance budgets and alignment procedures, contribute to pointing-error budgets, and support FEA simulations of structural, thermal, and vibration performance.
• Perform hands-on assembly, alignment, integration, and testing, troubleshooting issues across optics, mechanics, electronics, and controls.
• Prepare designs for mass production and deployment, addressing manufacturability, reliability, and environmental robustness.

Skills

Optomechanical design

CAD proficiency

Hands-on assembly

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

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 thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. 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 Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.

About the Role

You will design, build, and test precision optomechanical hardware for ground-based laser communication systems and future space-based optical payloads. This is a hands-on role spanning fiber coupling, beam steering, and optical sensing. You will work closely with optical, electrical, and software engineers to take your hardware designs from concept through production.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build precision optical assemblies, including fiber-coupling hardware, optical benches, flexures, and kinematic mounts.

• Develop and validate complex optomechanical hardware including laser systems, fast steering mirrors, actuators, advanced sensors for pointing and adaptive optics controls.

• Develop tolerance budgets and alignment procedures, contribute to pointing-error budgets, and support FEA simulations of structural, thermal, and vibration performance.

• Perform hands-on assembly, alignment, integration, and testing, troubleshooting issues across optics, mechanics, electronics, and controls.

• Prepare designs for mass production and deployment, addressing manufacturability, reliability, and environmental robustness.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in optomechanical engineering or precision mechanical design involving optical hardware.

• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or NX, with strong fundamentals in precision tolerancing and mechanical design.

• Hands-on experience building, aligning, and troubleshooting precision assemblies, with a working knowledge of machining and fabrication processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting designs for Lasercom / Free-space optical communications, pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT), or adaptive optics (AO).

• Finite element analysis (FEA) or structural, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) analysis.

• Materials selection for thermal stability and environmental compatibility, or optical cleanliness and contamination control.

• Python or MATLAB for analysis, alignment, or test automation.

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 (exempt only) – 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.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.