Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst

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.

We’re hiring a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in structural analysis, structural test campaigns, thermal analysis, and optimizing components for specific environments. This role will be responsible for supporting the development of mechanical and optomechanical systems from concept through production and field deployment. You will independently own the analysis of components and subsystems while working closely with senior engineers and cross‑functional teams in design, optics, electrical engineering, software, manufacturing, and test.

This is a hands‑on engineering position. At Observable Space, engineers are expected to remain actively involved with the hardware they design. This includes supporting prototype fabrication, working alongside technicians and manufacturing personnel, assembling and aligning systems, conducting tests, troubleshooting problems, and assisting with field installations when needed. Success in this role requires equal comfort working at a CAD/FEA workstation and working directly with hardware on the production floor, in the laboratory, or at an installation site.

• Perform FEA for stress, thermal, vibration, and other environmental conditions of mechanical and optomechanical components and subsystems, including telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, optical benches, and optical supports.

• Develop detailed finite element models based on 3D CAD models or engineering drawings.

• Provide feedback to design engineering on how to optimize and improve mechanical designs.

• Lead, design, and perform structural test campaigns to verify analysis or evaluate design assumptions.

• Participate in structural‑thermal‑optical performance (STOP) analyses and system‑level verification activities.

• Develop and use test fixtures, procedures, and instrumentation to verify component and subsystem performance.

• Participate in design reviews and clearly communicate design decisions, analysis results, risks, and recommendations.

• Collaborate with optics, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to ensure successful system integration.

• Support fabrication, inspection, assembly, alignment, environmental testing, installation, and field deployment.

• Investigate manufacturing, test, and field issues; determine root causes; and implement corrective design changes.

• Incorporate lessons learned from assembly and testing into future designs and engineering standards.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation and support configuration control throughout the product lifecycle.

• Manage assigned tasks, schedules, and technical risks with guidance from project and engineering leadership.

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