Senior Mechanical Engineer (Adrian, MI)

Observable Space Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Adrian, MI

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Design and optimize mechanical and optomechanical systems including telescope tubes, mounts, enclosures, and optical benches/supports for observatory-grade hardware.
• Define system architecture, design standards, and verification strategies; own key interfaces and requirements across mechanical, optical, and electrical domains.
• Produce and review detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and BOMs, enforcing DFM and quality standards throughout the design process.
• Support STOP analyses and system-level verification to ensure structural, thermal, and optical performance across operational environments from ground to space.
• Lead FEA and test planning for stress, thermal, and vibration environments; interpret results and drive iterative design changes to meet performance goals.
• Lead and present technical rationale in formal design reviews (PDR, CDR) to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.
• Coordinate closely with optics, electrical, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure seamless integration, manufacturability, and quality control of subsystems.
• Support fabrication, quality control, assembly, system validation, and supplier development activities from prototype through full production.
• Own schedule, risk management, and technical trade studies for assigned subsystems, ensuring on-time delivery of complex hardware systems.
• Apply deep knowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, alignment techniques, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) / design-for-test (DFT) principles in all phases of development.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to translate high-level requirements into detailed mechanical implementations that meet performance, reliability, and environmental specifications.
• Maintain compliance with engineering documentation standards and quality systems such as ISO/AS9100 where applicable.
• Contribute to supplier evaluation and development to ensure component reliability and cost-effectiveness in high-precision optomechanical systems.
• Participate in end-to-end product lifecycle management, from concept and prototyping through field deployment and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all mechanical designs are validated against real-world operational conditions including thermal cycling, vibration, and long-term mechanical stability.
• Document design decisions, test results, and verification outcomes to support regulatory, customer, and internal audit requirements.
• Champion design excellence through rigorous engineering analysis, peer reviews, and adoption of best practices in precision mechanical engineering.
• Work within a mission-driven environment focused on enabling continuous, real-time space observation through vertically integrated hardware and software products.
• Engage with a multidisciplinary team including software engineers, optical designers, and systems engineers to deliver integrated space observation platforms.
• Maintain alignment with company goals of serving commercial, scientific, educational, government, and amateur astronomy markets with high-performance hardware.
• Utilize cutting-edge tools and software to execute advanced mechanical simulations, modeling, and validation workflows.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability in a fast-growing company backed by top institutional investors.

🎯 Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or relevant professional experience.
• 5+ years relevant experience with progressive responsibility in aerospace, optics, or precision mechanical systems.
• Professional-level proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and creating detailed drawings/BOMs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of STOP or cross-domain system verification, and FEA workflows (ANSYS, Nastran, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of materials, fasteners, coatings, alignment techniques, and DFM/DFT principles.
• Track record of delivering complex engineered systems from concept to production.

🏖️ Benefits

• 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; minimum of 3 days per week in office required.
• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with a flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays.
• 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.

Skills & Technologies

Python

REST

Senior

Remote

Degree Required

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Observable Space Inc.

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About Observable Space Inc.

Observable Space develops vertically integrated hardware and software solutions for real-time space observation. Formed through the merger of PlaneWave Instruments, a telescope manufacturer, and OurSky, a space data application platform, the company serves commercial, scientific, educational, and governmental sectors, alongside astronomy enthusiasts. Their offerings include software-defined telescopes and a developer platform for creating advanced space applications. With over 1,000 customers globally, Observable Space supports diverse missions, from spacecraft operations to scientific discovery, and connects with over 2,000 telescopes worldwide. This extensive reach and integrated approach make them a key player in advancing space observation capabilities.

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