Full-Time

Electrical Engineer

Lasercom

Updated on 9/10/2026

Observable Space

Observable Space

51-200 employees

Delivers space hardware and software foundations

Compensation Overview

$140k - $170k/yr

+ Stock options

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hybrid

Three days per week in the Los Angeles office are required.

Category
Hardware Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Altium
Circuit Design
Computer Networking
LTSpice

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Requirements
  • At least 2 years of experience in a relevant electrical engineering role.
  • Strong understanding of DC power circuits, motor drivers, common interfaces and protocols including I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, and PCIe, analog-to-digital converters, microcontrollers, operational amplifiers, and transistor circuits.
  • Strong circuit debugging skills and knowledge of power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and multimeters.
  • Ability to perform 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, electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility, via types, and component types.
  • Experience with Altium or similar PCB software and LTspice or similar software.
  • Understanding of wire harnessing fundamentals including electrical checkout, hipot testing, impedance characterization, and shielding.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where rapid prototyping is the norm.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop electronic circuits, printed circuit boards, 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, electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility compliance, and power distribution.
  • Build and test prototypes, including PCB bring-up, rework, and modification through soldering, trace cutting, and wiring.
  • Develop and execute test procedures for electrical subsystems to ensure designs meet 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 for cross-team integration.
  • Support design-for-manufacturing and design-for-reliability reviews to ensure a smooth transition from prototype to production.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with signal integrity simulation software such as HyperLynx and SIwave.
  • Experience with electromagnetics simulation software such as ADS and HFSS.
  • Real-world experience with digital signal processors and ultra-high-speed conversion and amplification circuitry at 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 background or strong interest in astronomy, physics, and science.

Observable Space supplies the hardware and software foundations needed to operate in space. It offers physical instruments like telescopes along with a software architecture stack that teams can deploy to manage space missions. Its products are designed to work together, providing both the hardware and the integration framework required for space operations. Unlike vendors that only supply hardware or software, Observable Space combines both in one offering to support end-to-end space activities. The company aims to help organizations run space missions more effectively by giving them the tools and structure they need from planning to execution.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series A

Total Funding

$90M

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

Founded

2025

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • May 28, 2026: Observable Space closed a $90 million Series A.
  • May 28, 2026: The U.S. Space Force awarded a $94 million IDIQ.
  • April 22, 2026: Artemis II demos strengthened sales to NASA, allies, and satellite operators.

What critics are saying

  • NASA and Space Force contracts depend on defense budgets and procurement patience.
  • Artemis II proved capability, but Orbit-ops scale still needs flawless execution through 2027.
  • If competitors like CACI or AeroVironment bundle better hardware, Observable Space loses differentiation.

What makes Observable Space unique

  • Observable Space combines telescopes, ground stations, and lasercom in one stack.
  • Its Artemis II work validated low-cost optical ground terminals at lunar distances.
  • The 57-acre Adrian campus gives it manufacturing depth rare among space startups.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Stock Options

Equity Opportunities

Health & Wellness

Remote Work Options

Hybrid Work Options

Unlimited PTO

Paid Holidays

Company Equity

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Gym Membership

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Stock Options

Equity Opportunities

Flexible Work Environment

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

10%

1 year growth

3%

2 year growth

-3%
PlaneWave Instruments
May 28th, 2026
Introducing Observable Space | PlaneWave Instruments

Observable Space is developing the world’s first software-defined telescopes and other vertically integrated software and hardware products to help solve the toughest challenges in space observation 

Bloomberg
May 28th, 2026
Space Startup Raises Funds for Laser Satellite Communications

Observable Space raised $90 million in its debut funding round as the company seeks to use lasers to help satellites and potentially orbiting data centers move information to and from Earth.

Bloomberg Law
May 28th, 2026
Observable Space raises $90M for laser satellite communications

Observable Space has raised $90 million in its debut funding round to develop laser-based satellite communications technology. The Adrian, Michigan-based company aims to help satellites and potential orbiting data centres transmit information to and from Earth. The round was led by Lux Capital and co-led by Upfront Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, Island Green Capital and RTX Ventures, with participation from BRV Capital and Fathom Fund. The company also announced a $94 million contract with the US Space Force to expand its fleet of ground-based optical telescopes for satellite tracking. The deal forms part of the Pentagon's broader initiative to enhance space surveillance capabilities.

Western Illinois University
Dec 18th, 2025
Kenneth Van Zuiden was hired as a telescope assembly technician for Observable Space.

Kenneth Van Zuiden was hired as a telescope assembly technician for Observable Space. [Download print-quality image]. Just Hired: Kenneth Van Zuiden. December 18, 2025. Just Hired! Through the experiences of local, regional, national and international students, Western Illinois University has some incredible alumni who are changing the world in the workforce. This series will feature students from all over the world who are hired post-graduation. MACOMB, IL - - Meet Kenneth Van Zuiden, a graduate of Western Illinois University's Physics program, who was hired as a telescope assembly technician for Observable Space, a company that makes large production scale telescopes and related equipment. Van Zuiden found the role on Handshake when he decided to apply. He decided to reach out to their HR department to ask questions about the company to see if it was a good fit for him to go through the application process. Van Zuiden went through three interviews which included some of the founders of the company. Although he was not selected for the job he applied for (Optical Test Engineer), the hiring committee were still impressed with what he brought to the table and offered him a role as a telescope assembly technician. During Van Zuiden's time at WIU, he learned a lot of analytical skills that helped towards his physics degree. He also credited Professor Esteban Araya's, in which he learned a lot about telescopes and astronomy in his Astrophysics research class. VanZuiden plans to stay connected with WIU by keeping up with the Physics Colloquium and through the possibility of finding work within the department sometime in the future. To share your hiring story with WIU, visit go.wiu.edu/4eVgEuw. To learn more about WIU's Physics program, visit wiu.edu/cas/physics.

Lena Wee Now
Nov 24th, 2025
Local Business Recognized at 2025 Michigan Manufacturers Association Awards

Local business recognized at 2025 Michigan Manufacturers Association Awards. PlaneWave/Observable Space were recognized at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards event on Thursday, November 20, with the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year - Small Tier Award. The celebration and recognition, hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association, "shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that shape our economy and improve our daily lives." PlaneWave/Observable Space also won their second, "Coolest Thing Made in Michigan" recognition for the PF1000 Prime Focus System. "100% Designed and built in Michigan, the PF1000 System is the world's first tactically deployable, wide field space observation platform. Uniquely, no building required! Powering military, satellite operators, and researchers around the globe. Can be fixed or trailer mounted. Innovative high-speed, fully weatherized enclosure. Industry-leading advanced optics and gearless drive system."