Sr. Electrical Engineer, Photonics

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.

As an Electrical Engineer, Photonics, you will work across our full product line, from ground‑based telescopes to on‑orbit optical payloads. You will design, integrate, and validate photonic and electro‑optical systems that enable high‑performance sensing, imaging, and data acquisition in both terrestrial and space environments.

This role sits at the intersection of electronics, optics, and physics. You will own the electrical design and integration of optical sensors, detectors, laser‑based systems, and high‑speed signal chains, ensuring performance is maintained through challenging conditions including thermal extremes, vacuum, radiation, and long‑duration autonomous operation. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, and software teams to deliver tightly integrated systems.

• Design and develop electrical systems for photonic and electro‑optical subsystems, including detectors, sensors, laser interfaces, and high‑speed data acquisition chains.

• Own schematic capture, PCB design, and bring‑up for low‑noise analog and mixed‑signal circuits supporting optical instrumentation.

• Develop and optimize signal chains for photodetectors (e.g., CMOS, CCD, APD, SPAD), including amplification, filtering, digitization, and noise mitigation.

• Design for signal integrity and low‑noise performance in high‑sensitivity optical systems, including grounding, shielding, and layout strategies.

• Bring up and validate high‑speed interfaces such as MIPI, LVDS, JESD, or similar data links used in imaging and sensor systems.

• Collaborate with optical engineers to define electrical interfaces, alignment sensitivities, and performance requirements across optomechanical assemblies.

• Support integration and test of electro‑optical systems, including lab characterization, calibration, and debugging of edge‑case behaviors.

• Develop and execute validation and qualification plans for hardware operating in harsh environments, including thermal‑vacuum and vibration conditions.

• Select components and materials compatible with space and high‑reliability applications, including consideration of radiation effects, thermal drift, and long‑term stability.

• Contribute to system architecture decisions that balance performance, power, bandwidth, and reliability across the full product stack.

• Participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability, testability, and long‑term serviceability of photonic systems.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 5+ years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus on photonics, electro‑optical systems, or high‑performance sensor design.

• Strong proficiency in analog and mixed‑signal circuit design, particularly for low‑noise and high‑speed applications.

• Experience designing and debugging PCBs, including schematic capture, layout collaboration, and board bring‑up.

• Hands‑on experience with photodetectors, imaging sensors, or optical instrumentation and their associated signal chains.

• Familiarity with high‑speed…