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.
At Observable Space, engineers work directly with the hardware they design. We’re looking for someone who enjoys both technical design and hands-on problem-solving, is eager to learn, and is excited to contribute to challenging engineering projects from day one.
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.
Qualification
Familiarity with engineering drawingsStrong analyticalCuriosityInternshipExperience with machiningFamiliarity with mechanical assemblyFamiliarity with thermal analysis
Required
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
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.
