Electrical Engineer (Lasercom)

Observable Space

$140K — $170K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of relevant experience in electrical engineering
  • Strong understanding of DC power circuits and common communication protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, etc.)
  • Excellent circuit debugging skills with advanced diagnostic tools
  • Hands-on experience with PCB rework and assembly
  • Proficiency in circuit simulation and design tools
  • Familiarity with wire harnessing fundamentals and testing techniques
  • Strong product sense with a focus on manufacturing and reliability

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop circuits, PCBs, and wire harnesses for telescope hardware
  • Perform circuit simulations and layout reviews to ensure design efficacy
  • Implement best practices for signal integrity and compliance
  • Build and test prototypes, handling soldering and wiring tasks
  • Develop test procedures for electrical subsystems
  • Conduct debugging and root cause analysis with various analytical tools
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate designs into systems
  • Document electrical interfaces and product requirements for team alignment

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package aligned with industry standards
  • Equity opportunities through stock options
  • Flexible work environment, with remote work possibilities
  • Unlimited paid time off for rest and personal care
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance paid by the employer
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies for optimal performance
  • Mission-driven culture focused on impactful challenges
  • Commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace
Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Electrical Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role will involve deep engagement with our product line of telescopes and observatory hardware. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in circuit fundamentals, with specific expertise in printed circuit board (PCB) design, wire harnessing, circuit simulation, and design for manufacturing (DFM). This role will report to the Director of Electrical Engineering.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop electronic circuits, PCBs, and wire harnesses for telescope and observatory hardware.
  • Perform circuit simulations, schematic capture, and layout reviews to ensure functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Apply best practices for signal integrity, EMI/EMC compliance, and power distribution.
  • Build and test prototypes, including PCB bring-up, rework, and modification (soldering, trace cutting, wiring).
  • Develop and execute test procedures for electrical subsystems, ensuring design meets performance and safety requirements.
  • Perform root cause analysis and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to integrate electrical designs into complete systems.
  • Define and document electrical interfaces, block diagrams, product requirements, assembly drawings, and other supporting documents to support cross-team integration.
  • Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for reliability (DFR) reviews to ensure smooth transition from prototype to production.


Basic Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience in a relevant electrical engineering role.
  • Strong understanding of DC power circuits, motor drivers, common interfaces/protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe), ADCs, microcontrollers, opamps, and transistor circuits.
  • Excellent circuit debugging skills, knowledge of power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters.
  • Comfortable with PCB rework including soldering, staking, cutting traces, preparing wires.
  • Experience with circuit simulation and design tools.
  • Understanding of circuit board construction, transmission line structures, signal integrity, EMI/EMC, via types, and component types.
  • Experience with Altium (or similar PCB software) and LTSpice (or similar software).
  • Understanding of wire harnessing fundamentals such as electrical checkout, hi-pot testing, impedance characterization, and shielding.
  • Acute product sense, placing an emphasis on design for manufacturing and field reliability.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment where rapid prototyping is the norm.
  • An iterative mindset- perfect is the enemy of good.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with signal integrity simulation software (Hyperlynx, SIwave).
  • Experience with electromagnetics simulation software (ADS, HFSS).
  • Real world experience with DSPs and ultra high speed conversion and amplification circuitry (100+GHz)
  • Experience with high-reliability validation testing campaigns.
  • Experience with high speed SerDes interface design and testing.
  • Experience mitigating mechanical failure points for PCBs in vibration environments.
  • A love of astronomy, physics, and science.


What We Offer
  • 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 to support collaboration and team culture.
  • Unlimited PTO - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.
  • Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.
  • Cutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.
  • Mission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.
  • Inclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.


Salary Range | $140,000 - $170,000

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