Mechanical Engineer - Lasercom

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.

You’ll design and build mechanical hardware for laser communications terminals, from optical ground stations to space-based systems. Your impact is immediate. We go from a sketch to a bench prototype in weeks, then build, test, and ship flight hardware on a timeline measured in months. You’ll own your assemblies and work alongside optics, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers to build, align, and test them.

• Design terminal hardware such as optical benches, telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, and electronics packaging.

• Work with optics and systems engineers to set mechanical interfaces, alignment tolerances, and stiffness and thermal stability requirements. Use hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate designs.

• Create production drawings, bills of materials, and interface documentation.

• Work with shops and suppliers to make parts easy to build, assemble, and align.

• Build, align, and troubleshoot prototypes with technicians through rapid design iterations. Design fixtures and write procedures for repeatable assembly and testing.

• Plan and support environmental tests for the intended deployment, such as vibration, shock, or thermal vacuum. Use test results to improve the hardware and prepare it for production.

• 3+ years designing mechanical hardware in aerospace, optics, robotics, precision equipment, or a related industry.

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Proficiency with 3D CAD such as Solid Works and experience applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis to production drawings and mechanical interfaces.

• Working knowledge of structural and thermal analysis and design for manufacturing and assembly.

• Hands-on experience building, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical assemblies.

• Experience with free-space optical terminals, pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, or fine-pointing hardware such as fast steering mirrors.

• Experience with precision optical mounts, alignment tooling, or structural, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) analysis.

• Experience qualifying hardware for spaceflight or rugged outdoor environments.

• Experience taking precision hardware from prototype builds into repeatable

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…