Sr. Optical Engineer
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.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer with deep experience in precision optical manufacturing to lead the development, fabrication, metrology, and process control of large-format optical components for advanced telescope systems.
This role will have a particular focus on world-class large refractive optics, including elements greater than 400 mm in diameter, and the development of custom metrology and manufacturing processes required to produce them. The ideal candidate has worked directly in a high-precision optical manufacturing environment and understands how to take challenging optical components from specification through fabrication, measurement, process optimization, and final acceptance.
This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role requiring deep knowledge of optical fabrication, metrology, process control, and the practical challenges associated with producing high-performance optics consistently and repeatably.
Responsibilities
Lead the development and manufacturing of large-format precision optical components, with a particular focus on refractive elements greater than 400 mm in diameter.
Develop and mature optical manufacturing processes spanning grinding, polishing, figuring, coating, cleaning, handling, and final acceptance.
Design and develop custom metrology systems, tooling, fixtures, and test methods for large and complex optical components.
Define metrology strategies for measuring surface figure, transmitted wavefront error, surface quality, thickness, wedge, centration, and other critical optical characteristics.
Establish robust process controls for optical manufacturing, including process capability, statistical process control (SPC), yield, repeatability, and continuous improvement.
Analyze manufacturing and metrology data to identify process variation, determine root causes, and drive corrective actions.
Develop manufacturing tolerances and specifications that balance optical performance with manufacturability, cost, schedule, and yield.
Partner closely with optical designers to ensure optical prescriptions can be manufactured, measured, and validated successfully.
Support the development and qualification of optical materials, coatings, fabrication methods, and suppliers.
Lead technical problem solving for manufacturing defects, nonconformances, yield issues, and optical performance discrepancies.
Develop acceptance criteria, inspection methods, manufacturing documentation, and process specifications.
Support the transition of new optical components and processes from development into repeatable production.
Collaborate with mechanical, optomechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful integration of finished optics into telescope systems.
Mentor engineers and technicians and help establish best practices for precision optical manufacturing and metrology.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
5+ years of experience working directly in a precision optical manufacturing environment.
Deep hands-on knowledge of optical fabrication processes, including grinding, polishing, figuring, and finishing of precision optics.
Demonstrated experience manufacturing large or technically challenging refractive optical elements.
Strong experience developing optical metrology systems and measurement methodologies.
Hands-on experience with interferometry and other precision optical measurement techniques.
Deep understanding of manufacturing process control, including SPC, process capability, repeatability, yield improvement, and root cause analysis.
Experience translating optical requirements and tolerances into practical manufacturing and inspection processes.
Strong understanding of optical materials, surface specifications, transmitted wavefront error, surface figure, centration, wedge, and other manufacturing-critical optical parameters.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot optical manufacturing problems using data and first-principles engineering.
Ability to work directly with technicians, machinists, vendors, and engineers in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience developing or manufacturing refractive optical elements greater than 400 mm in diameter.
Experience developing custom interferometric or other specialized metrology systems for large optics.
Experience establishing or scaling optical manufacturing processes from development into production.
Experience with deterministic finishing techniques such as MRF, ion beam figuring, CNC polishing, or similar processes.
Experience with precision optical coatings and coating-related manufacturing considerations.
Experience developing supplier capabilities or qualifying external optical fabrication vendors.
Experience with telescope, astronomical, aerospace, defense, or other high-performance imaging optics.
Experience with optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent.
Experience working with highly challenging optical tolerances where manufacturing process capability is a primary driver of system performance.
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 (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.
Observable 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.