Mechanical Engineer

About the Role

Observable Space is seeking a New Graduate Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team in Los Angeles in Summer 2027. This is an opportunity for an early-career engineer to contribute to the design, development, testing, and deployment of advanced mechanical and optomechanical systems supporting next-generation telescope and space technologies. You will work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams in optics, electrical engineering, software, manufacturing, and test to bring complex hardware from initial concept through prototyping, production, and deployment. You’ll gain hands-on experience designing precision components, developing CAD models, supporting engineering analyses, building prototypes, and solving real-world engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Design & Development

• Support the design and development of mechanical and optomechanical components, including telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, optical benches, and precision assemblies.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Assist with engineering calculations, tolerance analyses, and basic structural and thermal evaluations.
• Apply fundamental mechanical engineering principles to improve component functionality, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and incorporate feedback from senior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Support design improvements based on prototype testing, manufacturing feedback, and system performance.

Prototyping, Testing & Hardware Integration

• Participate in the fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of mechanical components and systems.
• Work alongside engineers, machinists, and technicians to troubleshoot hardware issues and implement design improvements.
• Assist with the development of test fixtures, assembly tools, and validation procedures.
• Support mechanical testing, including dimensional inspections, fit checks, and basic structural or thermal evaluations.
• Gain exposure to finite element analysis (FEA), tolerance stack-ups, and structural-thermal-optical performance considerations.
• Help investigate technical challenges and document findings, test results, and recommended solutions.

Cross-Functional Engineering & Collaboration

• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, electrical, manufacturing, and test teams to support hardware development and system integration.
• Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and engineering problem-solving activities.
• Work with manufacturing teams and external suppliers to understand fabrication processes and design constraints.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, design updates, and test results.
• Support prototype builds, production activities, and occasional field testing or installations as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, completed by Summer 2027.
• Academic experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar.
• Understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, tolerances, and basic manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience through academic projects, laboratory work, engineering clubs, personal projects, or internships involving mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, or testing.
• Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems and evaluate design alternatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.
• Willingness to work directly with hardware in laboratory, prototyping, and manufacturing environments.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn new engineering tools, methods, and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in mechanical engineering, aerospace, robotics, optics, or precision hardware development.
• Experience designing and building mechanical systems through capstone projects, Formula SAE, robotics competitions, rocketry teams, or similar hands-on engineering activities.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or Nastran.
• Exposure to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance stack-ups, and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience with machining, 3D printing, CNC manufacturing, or other fabrication techniques.
• Familiarity with mechanical assembly, test instrumentation, and troubleshooting physical hardware.
• Academic or project exposure to optical systems, telescope structures, precision mechanisms, or optomechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with thermal analysis, vibration analysis, or structural design principles.
• Basic programming or scripting experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering projects involving mechanical, electrical, optical, or software systems.
• Demonstrated interest in aerospace, space technology, astronomy, robotics, or advanced hardware development.

Compensation

• Compensation Range: $100K - $110K