Senior Mechanical Engineer

Observable Space

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
  • 5+ years of experience in a Mechanical Engineering role, ideally in Aerospace or Automotive sectors.
  • Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX).
  • Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran) and tolerance analysis.
  • Hands-on skills in fabrication and mechanical assembly.
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
  • Passion for aerospace or observational technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize mechanical and optomechanical components for telescopes.
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings.
  • Conduct FEA simulations to assess stress and vibrational impacts.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for systems integration.
  • Support the full product lifecycle from design to production.
  • Participate in design reviews and maintain documentation.
  • Provide support during fabrication and system validation.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package aligned with industry standards.
  • Equity opportunities through stock options.
  • Flexible work environment with hybrid and remote options.
  • Unlimited paid time off (PTO) with a trust-based policy.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technology.
  • Mission-driven company culture focused on impactful work.
  • Supportive and inclusive team environment.
Full Job Description
Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, CA

About the Role

We are seeking a highly-motivated and experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you'll design precision mechanical and optomechanical systems for telescopes and related equipment. You'll work with a multidisciplinary team of optical, electrical, and software engineers to deliver observatory-grade systems for ground-based and potential future space-based deployment.

What You'll Bring
  • Design and optimize mechanical and optomechanical components (e.g., telescope tubes, mounts, enclosures, optical supports).
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
  • Conduct FEA simulations for stress, thermal, and vibrational environments.
  • Collaborate with optics and software teams to ensure mechanical compatibility with imaging, tracking, and sensing subsystems.
  • Support the full product lifecycle, from concept design and prototyping to testing and production.
  • Participate in and contribute to design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.) and internal documentation.
  • Provide engineering support during fabrication, QC, assembly, and system validation.


What You'll Do
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
  • 5+ years in a Mechanical Engineering role in Aerospace, Automotive, or a related industry.
  • Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, or similar).
  • Understanding of FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, etc.), tolerance analysis, and DFM principles.
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication, machining, welding, drilling, and/or mechanical assembly.
  • Effective communicator and collaborator.
  • Demonstrated passion for aerospace or observational technologies.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Grasp of materials, fasteners, coatings, and alignment techniques.
  • Understanding of system engineering workflows, interface control documents, and verification processes.
  • Basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for design or test workflows.


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. (LA Office only)
  • 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.


Why You'll Love It Here
  • Be part of a mission-driven company helping shape the future of space infrastructure
  • The opportunity to build and scale a global managed services organization from the ground up
  • A collaborative culture that rewards initiative, curiosity, and results
  • Competitive salary, equity opportunities, and comprehensive benefits

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