Mechanical Engineer - New Graduate 2027

Location: Los Angeles, CA Department: Engineering Employment Type: FullTime Location Type: On-site

About Observable Space

At 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.

We 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.

Observable 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.

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.

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.

What You’ll Do

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.

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 dimen