Electrical Engineer

From telescopes to software architecture, Observable Space provides the foundational elements every organization needs to operate in space. Observable Space is unlocking continuous, real-time observations of space with the industry’s first line of vertically integrated hardware and software products. The company is the result of a merger between PlaneWave Instruments, the leader in advanced telescope design and manufacturing in the US, and OurSky, a company founded by SpaceX’s former VP of software engineering to create a developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space’s full line of products serves all sectors of the space industry including commercial, science, education, and government customers, as well as astronomy enthusiasts discovering the cosmos.

Observable Space is backed by top institutional investors–Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Electrical Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role will involve deep engagement with our product line of telescopes and observatory hardware. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in circuit fundamentals, with specific expertise in printed circuit board (PCB) design, wire harnessing, circuit simulation, and design for manufacturing (DFM). This role will report to the Electrical Engineering Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electronic circuits, PCBs, and wire harnesses for telescope and observatory hardware.

• Perform circuit simulations, schematic capture, and layout reviews to ensure functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Apply best practices for signal integrity, EMI/EMC compliance, and power distribution.

• Build and test prototypes, including PCB bring-up, rework, and modification (soldering, trace cutting, wiring).

• Develop and execute test procedures for electrical subsystems, ensuring design meets performance and safety requirements.

• Perform root cause analysis and debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers.

• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to integrate electrical designs into complete systems.

• Define and document electrical interfaces, block diagrams, product requirements, assembly drawings, and other supporting documents to support cross-team integration.

• Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for reliability (DFR) reviews to ensure smooth transition from prototype to production.

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a relevant electrical engineering role.

• Strong understanding of DC power circuits, motor drivers, common interfaces/protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe), ADCs, microcontrollers, opamps, and transistor circuits.

• Excellent circuit debugging skills, knowledge of power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters.

• Comfortable with PCB rework including soldering, staking, cutting traces, preparing wires.

• Experience with circuit simulation and design tools.

• Understanding of circuit board construction, transmission line structures, signal integrity, EMI/EMC, via types, and component types.

• Understanding of wire harnessing fundamentals such as electrical checkout, hi-pot testing, impedance characterization, and shielding.

• Acute product sense, placing an emphasis on design for manufacturing and field reliability.

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment where rapid prototyping is the norm.

• An iterative mindset- perfect is the enemy of good.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Altium (or similar PCB software) and LTSpice (or similar software).

• Experience with signal integrity simulation software (Hyperlynx, SIwave).

• Experience with electromagnetics simulation software (ADS, HFSS).

• Experience with high-reliability validation testing campaigns.

• Experience with high speed SerDes interface design and testing.

• Experience mitigating mechanical failure points for PCBs in vibration environments.

• A love of astronomy, physics, and science.

What We Offer

• 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 – 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.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.