{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"b0326f4375d92bd3cdae56fa","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/b0326f4375d92bd3cdae56fa","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/b0326f4375d92bd3cdae56fa","title":"Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst","description":"About Observable Space\n\nAt Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.\n\nWe combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.\n\nObservable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.\n\nAbout The Role\n\nWe’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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nPerform 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.\n\nDevelop detailed finite element models based on 3D CAD models or engineering drawings.\n\nProvide feedback to design engineering on how to optimize and improve mechanical designs.\n\nLead, design, and perform structural test campaigns to verify analysis or evaluate design assumptions.\n\nParticipate in structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analyses and system-level verification activities.\n\nDevelop and use test fixtures, procedures, and instrumentation to verify component and subsystem performance.\n\nParticipate in design reviews and clearly communicate design decisions, analysis results, risks, and recommendations.\n\nCollaborate with optics, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to ensure successful system integration.\n\nSupport fabrication, inspection, assembly, alignment, environmental testing, installation, and field deployment.\n\nInvestigate manufacturing, test, and field issues; determine root causes; and implement corrective design changes.\n\nIncorporate lessons learned from assembly and testing into future designs and engineering standards.\n\nMaintain accurate technical documentation and support configuration control throughout the product lifecycle.\n\nManage assigned tasks, schedules, and technical risks with guidance from project and engineering leadership.\n\nBasic Qualifications\n\nBS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field.\n\n3+ years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace, optics, robotics, automation, precision equipment, or similar industries.\n\nProficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar.\n\nWorking knowledge of mechanical analysis methods, including stress, thermal, tolerance, and vibration analysis.\n\nExperience with analysis software such as ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation, and similar.\n\nKnowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, machining, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly.\n\nDemonstrated hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, or supporting mechanical hardware.\n\nWillingness and ability to work directly with prototypes and production equipment in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.\n\nStrong problem-solving, organizational, written communication, and interpersonal skills.\n\nAbility to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience with thermal analysis. Use of Thermal Desktop is strongly preferred.\n\nExperience with telescope systems, astronomical instrumentation, optical equipment, or optomechanical systems.\n\nFamiliarity with optical mounts, flexures, precision mechanisms, alignment methods, and alignment tooling.\n\nExperience with thermal design for outdoor, aerospace, or space environments.\n\nFamiliarity with athermal design principles and structural-thermal-optical performance analysis.\n\nExperience with structural analysis for automotive or aerospace environments.\n\nExperience with automotive and/or aerospace test campaigns and appropriate application of standards.\n\nFamiliarity with engineering requirements, interface control documents, verification planning, and design reviews.\n\nBasic scripting or automation experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.\n\nExperience working within ISO 9001, AS9100, or comparable quality systems.\n\nExperience coordinating with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and component suppliers.\n\nWhat We Offer\n\nCompetitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.\n\nEquity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.\n\nFlexible 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)\n\nUnlimited 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.\n\nHealth & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.\n\nCutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.\n\nMission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.\n\nInclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.\n\nObservable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.\n\nCompensation Range: $100K - $140K","company":"Observable Space","rawCompany":"observable space","city":"Los Angeles","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-09-19T08:52:24.852Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst","description":"About Observable Space\n\nAt Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.\n\nWe combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.\n\nObservable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.\n\nAbout The Role\n\nWe’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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nPerform 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.\n\nDevelop detailed finite element models based on 3D CAD models or engineering drawings.\n\nProvide feedback to design engineering on how to optimize and improve mechanical designs.\n\nLead, design, and perform structural test campaigns to verify analysis or evaluate design assumptions.\n\nParticipate in structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analyses and system-level verification activities.\n\nDevelop and use test fixtures, procedures, and instrumentation to verify component and subsystem performance.\n\nParticipate in design reviews and clearly communicate design decisions, analysis results, risks, and recommendations.\n\nCollaborate with optics, electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test teams to ensure successful system integration.\n\nSupport fabrication, inspection, assembly, alignment, environmental testing, installation, and field deployment.\n\nInvestigate manufacturing, test, and field issues; determine root causes; and implement corrective design changes.\n\nIncorporate lessons learned from assembly and testing into future designs and engineering standards.\n\nMaintain accurate technical documentation and support configuration control throughout the product lifecycle.\n\nManage assigned tasks, schedules, and technical risks with guidance from project and engineering leadership.\n\nBasic Qualifications\n\nBS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field.\n\n3+ years of relevant engineering experience in aerospace, optics, robotics, automation, precision equipment, or similar industries.\n\nProficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar.\n\nWorking knowledge of mechanical analysis methods, including stress, thermal, tolerance, and vibration analysis.\n\nExperience with analysis software such as ANSYS, Nastran, SolidWorks Simulation, and similar.\n\nKnowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, machining, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly.\n\nDemonstrated hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, or supporting mechanical hardware.\n\nWillingness and ability to work directly with prototypes and production equipment in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.\n\nStrong problem-solving, organizational, written communication, and interpersonal skills.\n\nAbility to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience with thermal analysis. Use of Thermal Desktop is strongly preferred.\n\nExperience with telescope systems, astronomical instrumentation, optical equipment, or optomechanical systems.\n\nFamiliarity with optical mounts, flexures, precision mechanisms, alignment methods, and alignment tooling.\n\nExperience with thermal design for outdoor, aerospace, or space environments.\n\nFamiliarity with athermal design principles and structural-thermal-optical performance analysis.\n\nExperience with structural analysis for automotive or aerospace environments.\n\nExperience with automotive and/or aerospace test campaigns and appropriate application of standards.\n\nFamiliarity with engineering requirements, interface control documents, verification planning, and design reviews.\n\nBasic scripting or automation experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.\n\nExperience working within ISO 9001, AS9100, or comparable quality systems.\n\nExperience coordinating with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and component suppliers.\n\nWhat We Offer\n\nCompetitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.\n\nEquity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.\n\nFlexible 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)\n\nUnlimited 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.\n\nHealth & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.\n\nCutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.\n\nMission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.\n\nInclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.\n\nObservable Space is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.\n\nCompensation Range: $100K - $140K","datePosted":"2026-09-19T08:52:24.852Z","dateModified":"2026-09-19T08:52:24.852Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Observable Space","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Los Angeles","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"b0326f4375d92bd3cdae56fa"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/b0326f4375d92bd3cdae56fa"}}