Electrical Engineer (Lasercom) Seen this week

About Observable Space

We are a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD. We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products including advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, and distributed compute platforms.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join our team with deep engagement on our product line of telescopes and observatory hardware. You will have a strong background in circuit fundamentals, printed circuit board (PCB) design, wire harnessing, circuit simulation, and design for manufacturing (DFM). This role reports to the Director of Electrical Engineering.

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 supporting documents for 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 and knowledge of power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters.
• Comfortable with PCB rework including soldering, staking, cutting traces, and 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.
• Experience with Altium (or similar PCB software) and LTSpice (or similar software).
• Understanding of wire harnessing fundamentals such as electrical checkout, hi-pot testing, impedance characterization, and shielding.
• Acute product sense with emphasis on design for manufacturing and field reliability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment where rapid prototyping is the norm.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with signal integrity simulation software (Hyperlynx, SIwave).
• Experience with electromagnetics simulation software (ADS, HFSS).
• Real world experience with DSPs and ultra high speed conversion and amplification circuitry (100+GHz).
• 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 with salary range $140,000 - $170,000.
• Equity opportunities with stock options.
• Hybrid work environment with minimum 3 days per week in office.
• Unlimited PTO with paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% premium paid by employer.
• Access to latest hardware and software tools.
• Mission-driven culture with real-world impact.