Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst at Observable Space in Los Angeles, CA

Job description

• Application
• We’re hiring a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in structural analysis, structural test campaigns, thermal analysis, and optimizing components for specific environments. This role will be responsible for supporting the development of mechanical and optomechanical systems from concept through production and field deployment. You will independently own the analysis of components and subsystems while working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams in design, optics, electrical engineering, software, manufacturing, and test.
• This is a hands-on engineering position. At Observable Space, engineers are expected to remain actively involved with the hardware they design. This includes supporting prototype fabrication, working alongside technicians and manufacturing personnel, assembling and aligning systems, conducting tests, troubleshooting problems, and assisting with field installations when needed. Success in this role requires equal comfort working at a CAD/FEA workstation and working directly with hardware on the production floor, in the laboratory, or at an installation site.

Responsibilities

• Perform FEA for stress, thermal, vibration, and other environmental conditions of mechanical and optomechanical components and subsystems, including telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, optical benches, and optical supports.
• Develop detailed finite element models based on 3D CAD models or engineering drawings.
• Provide feedback to design engineering on how to optimize and improve mechanical designs.
• Lead, design, and perform structural test campaigns to verify analysis or evaluate design assumptions.
• Participate in structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analyses and system-level verification activities.
• Develop and use test fixtures, procedures, and instrumentation to verify component and subsystem performance.
• Participate in design reviews and clearly communicate design decisions, analysis results, risks, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with optics, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to ensure successful system integration.
• Support fabrication, inspection, assembly, alignment, environmental testing, installation, and field deployment.
• Investigate manufacturing, test, and field issues; determine root causes; and implement corrective design changes.
• Incorporate lessons learned from assembly and testing into future designs and engineering standards.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and support configuration control throughout the product lifecycle.
• Manage assigned tasks, schedules, and technical risks with guidance from project and engineering leadership.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace, optics, robotics, automation, precision equipment, or similar industries.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar.
• Working knowledge of mechanical analysis methods, including stress, thermal, tolerance, and vibration analysis.
• Experience with analysis software such as ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation, and similar.
• Knowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, machining, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, or supporting mechanical hardware.
• Willingness and ability to work directly with prototypes and production equipment in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Experience with thermal analysis. Use of Thermal Desktop is strongly preferred.
• Experience with telescope systems, astronomical instrumentation, optical equipment, or optomechanical systems.
• Familiarity with optical mounts, flexures, precision mechanisms, alignment methods, and alignment tooling.
• Experience with thermal design for outdoor, aerospace, or space environments.
• Familiarity with athermal design principles and structural-thermal-optical performance analysis.
• Experience with structural analysis for automotive or aerospace environments.
• Experience with automotive and/or aerospace test campaigns and appropriate application of standards.
• Familiarity with engineering requirements, interface control documents, verification planning, and design reviews.
• Basic scripting or automation experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience working within ISO 9001, AS9100, or comparable quality systems.
• Experience coordinating with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and component suppliers.

Skills

Required

• Independent and team work

Preferred

• Thermal analysis, Thermal Desktop
• Scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB)

Benefits

• 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 (exempt only) – 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.
• The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels being considered for this position. Total compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance.