Sr. Industrial Designer

The role

You will shape the next generation of telescopes, laser communications terminals, and space optics hardware. You will develop products from early sketches and physical mockups through production by working with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.

What you will do

• Lead industrial design projects from concept exploration through prototyping, design refinement, and production support.
• Develop a cohesive design language across telescopes, optical terminals, enclosures, and supporting equipment.
• Communicate and evaluate ideas through sketches, 3D CAD models, renderings, and physical prototypes.
• Design for practical use including handling, transport, installation, cable management, operator controls, and access for maintenance.
• Partner with engineering teams to integrate optical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements into well-resolved product designs.
• Define color, material, and finish specifications, surface details, product markings, and fit-and-finish expectations.
• Build and test mockups to evaluate proportions, ergonomics, assembly access, and user workflows.
• Work with engineers, fabricators, and suppliers to select appropriate manufacturing processes and carry design intent into finished hardware.
• Participate in design reviews and refine products based on prototype testing, manufacturing feedback, and customer experience.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of industrial design experience developing physical products, including products that have reached production.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, aesthetic judgment, 3D modeling, physical prototyping, and finished hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD and surface modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Rhino, NX, or Alias.
• Strong visualization skills using tools such as KeyShot, Blender, or equivalent.
• Practical understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and design for manufacture.
• Hands-on experience building prototypes and using them to make design decisions.
• Ability to explain design choices clearly, incorporate technical feedback, and manage multiple projects with substantial independence.
• Interest in precision instruments, optical technologies, and hardware built for demanding environments.

Nice to have

• Experience designing telescopes, scientific instruments, optical systems, aerospace hardware, robotics, or other technically complex equipment.
• Experience with rugged outdoor products, environmental sealing, protective enclosures, and serviceable assemblies.
• Familiarity with CNC machining, sheet metal, castings, composites, additive manufacturing, or injection molding.
• Understanding of how industrial design choices affect optical clearances, alignment access, thermal behavior, cleanliness, and surface reflections.
• Experience observing customers or field teams and translating their needs into product improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Equity Opportunities – stock options
• Flexible Work Environment
• Unlimited PTO (Salaried positions only)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer
• Cutting-Edge Tools
• Mission-Driven Culture
• Inclusive Team

Before you apply

• Please include a portfolio showing how you develop ideas into real products.

About the company

Observable Space is a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. They deliver foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.