Observable Space
Sr. Optomechanical Engineer, Laser Communications
Los Angeles, CA or Detroit, MI. Posted 8 days ago
The role
You will design, build, and test precision optomechanical hardware for ground-based laser communication systems and future space-based optical payloads. This role involves fiber coupling, beam steering, and optical sensing.
What you will 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, and advanced sensors.
- Develop tolerance budgets and alignment procedures.
- Contribute to pointing-error budgets.
- Support FEA simulations of structural, thermal, and vibration performance.
- Perform hands-on assembly, alignment, integration, and testing.
- Troubleshoot issues across optics, mechanics, electronics, and controls.
- Prepare designs for mass production and deployment.
Required qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in optomechanical engineering or precision mechanical design involving optical hardware.
- Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or NX.
- Strong fundamentals in precision tolerancing and mechanical design.
- Hands-on experience building, aligning, and troubleshooting precision assemblies.
- Working knowledge of machining and fabrication processes.
Nice to have
- 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.
Benefits
- Competitive Compensation
- Equity Opportunities (stock options)
- Flexible Work Environment
- Unlimited PTO (Salaried positions only)
- Paid holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer
- Cutting-Edge Tools
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 for navigation, observation, and communication in space.