Mechanical Engineer - New Graduate 2027

Observable Space • Los Angeles, CA

21h • $100,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Observable Space is seeking a new graduate Mechanical Engineer to join its engineering team in Los Angeles in Summer 2027. The role contributes to the design, development, testing, and deployment of mechanical and optomechanical systems for telescope and space technologies. The engineer will work with experienced engineers and teams across optics, electrical engineering, software, manufacturing, and test, helping take hardware from concept through prototyping, production, and deployment.

The position offers hands-on experience creating precision components and CAD models, supporting engineering analyses, building prototypes, and solving engineering challenges. Engineers work directly with the hardware they design, in laboratory, prototyping, and manufacturing environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, completed by Summer 2027.
• Academic experience with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, or similar.
• Understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, tolerances, and basic manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience through academic projects, laboratory work, engineering clubs, personal projects, or internships involving mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, or testing.
• Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to solve technical problems and evaluate design alternatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.
• Willingness to work directly with hardware in laboratory, prototyping, and manufacturing environments.
• Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn new engineering tools, methods, and technologies.

Nice To Haves

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in mechanical engineering, aerospace, robotics, optics, or precision hardware development.
• Experience designing and building mechanical systems through capstone projects, Formula SAE, robotics competitions, rocketry teams, or similar hands-on engineering activities.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or Nastran.
• Exposure to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance stack-ups, and engineering drawing standards.
• Experience with machining, 3D printing, CNC manufacturing, or other fabrication techniques.
• Familiarity with mechanical assembly, test instrumentation, and troubleshooting physical hardware.
• Academic or project exposure to optical systems, telescope structures, precision mechanisms, or optomechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with thermal analysis, vibration analysis, or structural design principles.
• Basic programming or scripting experience using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary engineering projects involving mechanical, electrical, optical, or software systems.
• Demonstrated interest in aerospace, space technology, astronomy, robotics, or advanced hardware development.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of mechanical and optomechanical components, including telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, optical benches, and precision assemblies.
• Create and modify 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Assist with engineering calculations, tolerance analyses, and basic structural and thermal evaluations.
• Apply fundamental mechanical engineering principles to improve component functionality, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Participate in engineering design reviews and incorporate feedback from senior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Support design improvements based on prototype testing, manufacturing feedback, and system performance.
• Participate in fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of mechanical components and systems.
• Work with engineers, machinists, and technicians to troubleshoot hardware issues and implement design improvements.
• Assist with developing test fixtures, assembly tools, and validation procedures.
• Support mechanical testing, including dimensional inspections, fit checks, and basic structural or thermal evaluations.
• Help investigate technical challenges and document findings, test results, and recommended solutions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, electrical, manufacturing, and test teams on hardware development and system integration.
• Work with manufacturing teams and external suppliers to understand fabrication processes and design constraints.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, design updates, and test results.
• Support prototype builds, production activities, and occasional field testing or installations as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with a salary package aligned with industry standards and experience.
• Stock options.
• Flexible work environment, with office or hybrid work and remote work part of the week; a minimum of three office days per week is required for the LA office.
• Unlimited PTO for salaried positions, including paid holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 100% of employee premiums paid by the employer.
• Access to cutting-edge hardware and software.
• Mission-driven culture and an inclusive, supportive, and diverse workplace.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level